History of Arizona Coyotes in Timeline
The Arizona Coyotes, a professional ice hockey team in the Phoenix area, played in the NHL from 1996 to 2024. They were part of the Central and Pacific Divisions in the Western Conference, and later the West Division. The Coyotes called three arenas home: America West Arena in Phoenix (1996-2003), Gila River Arena in Glendale (2003-2022), and Mullett Arena in Tempe (2022-2024). Despite their time in the NHL, the team is currently inactive.
1951: Record-Tying Overtime Games
In 1951, the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs tied a record for the number of overtime games in a series during the Stanley Cup Finals, a record that the Coyotes later tied.
December 27, 1971: Winnipeg Jets Founded
The Winnipeg Jets are founded on December 27, 1971, as a charter franchise of the World Hockey Association.
1972: Winnipeg Jets Seasons Not Included
The provided list does not include seasons of the 1972–1996 Winnipeg Jets.
1977: Jets Score 102 Points
In the 1977-1978 season, the Jets, who later became the Coyotes, scored 102 points.
June 22, 1979: Jets Join the NHL
The Winnipeg Jets are enfranchised by the NHL on June 22, 1979, after the WHA ceased operations.
1979: Jets Join the NHL After WHA Merger
The Winnipeg Jets become one of four teams admitted to the NHL in 1979 as part of a merger with the WHA.
1980: Worst Season in Franchise History
The Jets finish last in the NHL during their first two seasons, including a nine-win season in 1980-1981, the worst in franchise history.
1984: Fourth-Best Record in the NHL
In the 1984-1985 season, the Jets achieve their best record as an NHL team with 96 points, finishing fourth in the league.
1984: Jets Achieve Highest Finish
The 1984-1985 Jets tied for the franchise's highest finish as an NHL team.
1985: Last Home-Ice Advantage
In 1985, the Jets, who later became the Coyotes, had home-ice advantage in the first round.
1987: Franchise's First Playoff Series Win
In 1987, the Coyotes franchise won their first playoff series win.
1993: Minnesota North Stars Relocate
The Minnesota North Stars relocate in 1993, leaving Minneapolis without an NHL team.
October 1995: Jets Purchased by Minnesota Businessmen
In October 1995, Minnesota businessmen Steven Gluckstern and Richard Burke purchase the Jets with plans to move the team.
1995: Quebec Nordiques Move to Denver
The Quebec Nordiques relocate to Denver in 1995, making Winnipeg the smallest market in the NHL.
July 1, 1996: Jets Relocate to Phoenix
The Winnipeg Jets relocate to Phoenix on July 1, 1996, and are renamed the Phoenix Coyotes.
1996: Regional Television Rights Split
From the team's move to Phoenix in 1996 to the end of the 2007–08 season, the regional television rights for Arizona Coyotes were split between Fox Sports Arizona and over-the-air broadcasters.
1996: Team Relocates to Phoenix
In 1996, the Winnipeg Jets relocate to Phoenix, Arizona, and are renamed the Phoenix Coyotes.
1996: Kachina Logo as Primary
The Arizona Coyotes brought back the 1996–2003 Kachina logo as the primary logo during the off-season.
1996: Winnipeg Jets Seasons Not Included
The provided list does not include seasons of the 1972–1996 Winnipeg Jets.
1996: Coyotes' Initial Move to Central Division
The team previously played in the Central Division for their first two seasons following their relocation from Winnipeg in 1996.
1997: Minnesota Awarded an Expansion Team
Minnesota is awarded an expansion team in 1997, the Minnesota Wild.
1998: Reverse Retro Uniform
In the 2022–23 season, the Arizona Coyotes wore its 1998–2003 Kachina head alternates as its "Reverse Retro" uniform, but with sienna as the base color.
1998: Coyotes Move to the Pacific Division
The Arizona Coyotes joined the Pacific Division in 1998.
2001: Coyotes Last Playoff Appearance
The Coyotes last playoff appearance was in the 2001-2002 season.
2003: New Alternate Uniform with Kachina Patterns
During the 2022-23 season, a new alternate uniform was released, returning to the simplified brick red and sand color scheme from 2003 to 2015 but with kachina patterns at the bottom and on the sleeves.
2003: Coyotes Move to Glendale
In 2003, the Arizona Coyotes move to Glendale's Gila River Arena.
2003: Kachina Logo as Primary
The Arizona Coyotes brought back the 1996–2003 Kachina logo as the primary logo during the off-season.
October 15, 2005: Howler was Introduced
Howler, the coyote-suited mascot of the Arizona Coyotes, was introduced on October 15, 2005.
2006: Over-the-air Broadcasters
From the team's move to Phoenix in 1996 to the end of the 2007–08 season, the regional television rights for Arizona Coyotes were split between Fox Sports Arizona and over-the-air broadcasters including KTVK and KASW (1996–2006) and KAZT-TV (2006–2008).
2006: Coyotes' Disastrous Season
In 2006 the Coyotes had a disastrous season, leading them to rebuild the team by relying on drafted talent.
November 17, 2007: Bryzgalov Joins the Coyotes
On November 17, 2007, the Coyotes claimed Ilya Bryzgalov off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks. Bryzgalov started in goal the day he was acquired and posted a shutout in his Coyotes debut against the Los Angeles Kings.
2007: Bally Sports Arizona Exclusive Rightsholder
From the 2007–08 NHL season until the 2023 NHL preseason period, Bally Sports Arizona (formerly Fox Sports Arizona) was the exclusive regional television rightsholder for all Arizona Coyotes games not broadcast nationally.
2007: Regional Television Rights Split
From the team's move to Phoenix in 1996 to the end of the 2007–08 season, the regional television rights for Arizona Coyotes were split between Fox Sports Arizona and over-the-air broadcasters.
December 2008: Coyotes' Financial Struggles Become Public
In December 2008, news broke that the Coyotes were suffering massive losses and that the NHL was paying the team's bills.
2008: Over-the-air Broadcasters
From the team's move to Phoenix in 1996 to the end of the 2007–08 season, the regional television rights for Arizona Coyotes were split between Fox Sports Arizona and over-the-air broadcasters including KTVK and KASW (1996–2006) and KAZT-TV (2006–2008).
May 2009: Moyes Puts Coyotes into Bankruptcy
In May 2009, Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes put the team into bankruptcy hours before NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was to present him an offer to sell the team to Jerry Reinsdorf. Moyes intended to sell the team to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie, who intended to purchase the team out of bankruptcy and move it to Hamilton, Ontario.
September 2009: NHL Purchases the Coyotes
In September 2009, after hearings in Phoenix bankruptcy court, the NHL purchased the Coyotes and assumed all debts, negotiating a temporary lease with the City of Glendale for Gila River Arena.
September 24, 2009: Dave Tippett Takes Over Coaching
On September 24, 2009, Dave Tippett took over coaching duties of the Phoenix Coyotes after Wayne Gretzky stepped down.
2009: NHL Takes Over the Franchise
The NHL takes over the Phoenix Coyotes franchise in 2009 after then-owner Jerry Moyes files for bankruptcy.
March 27, 2010: Coyotes Clinch Playoff Spot
On March 27, 2010, the Coyotes clinched a playoff spot for the first time since the 2001–02 season and reached the 100-point mark for the first time ever as an NHL team.
May 7, 2010: Reinsdorf Bid Falls Apart
On May 7, 2010, ESPN.com reported that the Reinsdorf bid for the Coyotes had fallen apart and that the City of Glendale was working with Ice Edge to purchase the team.
2010: Coyotes Play First Playoff Game in Gila River Arena
In 2010, the Coyotes played their first NHL playoff game in Gila River Arena against the Detroit Red Wings, but an injury to Shane Doan sidelined him for most of the series, and the Red Wings won in seven games.
2011: Coyotes Swept by Red Wings
In 2011, the Coyotes were swept by the Detroit Red Wings for the second straight postseason in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
April 7, 2012: Coyotes Win Pacific Division Title
On April 7, 2012, the Coyotes defeated the Minnesota Wild with a score of 4–1 to win the Pacific Division title—their first division title as an NHL team.
2013: New Ownership for the Coyotes
The NHL finds new ownership for the Arizona Coyotes in 2013, ensuring the team remains in Arizona.
June 27, 2014: Franchise Renamed Arizona Coyotes
On June 27, 2014, the Phoenix Coyotes franchise changes its name to the Arizona Coyotes.
2015: Don Maloney Terminated
At the conclusion of the 2015–16 season, Coyotes general manager Don Maloney was terminated from his position after eight seasons and one General Manager of the Year award.
2015: New Alternate Uniform with Kachina Patterns
During the 2022-23 season, a new alternate uniform was released, returning to the simplified brick red and sand color scheme from 2003 to 2015 but with kachina patterns at the bottom and on the sleeves.
August 2016: Dawn Braid Hired as Skating Coach
In August 2016, Dawn Braid was hired as the Coyotes' skating coach, making her the first female full-time coach in the NHL.
November 14, 2016: New Arena Plans Announced
On November 14, 2016, the Coyotes announced plans to build a new arena in Tempe, Arizona, which was scheduled to be completed for the 2019–20 NHL season.
2016: Mitchell Miller Bullying Allegations
Allegations surfaced that Mitchell Miller had bullied and discriminated against an African-American classmate having a learning disability during high school in 2016.
2016: Barroway Becomes Sole Owner
At the end of the 2016–17 season, Barroway bought out the rest of the IceArizona ownership group and became the sole owner of the franchise.
February 2017: Arena Project Withdrawn
The arena project was withdrawn when ASU pulled out of the deal in February 2017.
June 19, 2017: Shane Doan Not Re-signed
On June 19, 2017, the Coyotes opted not to re-sign long time captain Shane Doan, who had been with the franchise since they were the Winnipeg Jets.
June 22, 2017: Dave Tippett Leaves Coaching Position
On June 22, 2017, head coach Dave Tippett left his positions within the Coyotes after eight seasons.
July 11, 2017: Rick Tocchet Becomes Head Coach
Rick Tocchet succeeded Dave Tippett as head coach on July 11, 2017.
July 29, 2019: Alex Meruelo Becomes Majority Owner
Alex Meruelo becomes the majority owner of the Arizona Coyotes on July 29, 2019.
2019: Planned Completion Date for New Arena
The Tempe arena was scheduled to be completed for the 2019–20 NHL season.
2020: Drafting of Mitchell Miller
During the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the Coyotes received widespread backlash and criticism for drafting Mitchell Miller in the fourth round (111th pick overall), after allegations surfaced that he had bullied and discriminated against an African-American classmate having a learning disability, during high school in 2016. Soon thereafter, they renounced his draft rights.
2020: Coyotes Finish Fifth in West Division
For the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season the Coyotes were placed in the reformed West Division and played a division-only 56-game schedule. They finished in fifth place with 54 points, outside of the playoffs.
July 1, 2021: Andre Tourigny Hired as Head Coach
Andre Tourigny was hired as head coach of the Coyotes on July 1, 2021.
August 19, 2021: Operating Agreement Not Renewed
On August 19, 2021, the city of Glendale and the Gila River Arena chose to not renew their operating agreement with the Coyotes beyond the 2021–22 season.
December 8, 2021: Coyotes Threatened with Arena Lockout
On December 8, 2021, the Coyotes were informed they would be locked out of Gila River Arena on December 20, 2021, if they did not pay $1.3 million owed in taxes.
December 20, 2021: Arena Lockout Deadline
The Coyotes were informed they would be locked out of Gila River Arena on December 20, 2021, if they did not pay $1.3 million owed in taxes.
2021: Arizona Coyotes Hinted at Rebranding
Before the 2021–22 season, the Arizona Coyotes hinted at a possible rebrand in September 2021 after the team named MullenLowe LA as its branding partner.
2021: Two-Year Deal with Bonneville Phoenix
In 2021, the Arizona Coyotes entered a two-year deal with Bonneville Phoenix to broadcast the team's games on the radio in the Phoenix market.
2021: Coyotes Join the Central Division
The Arizona Coyotes become part of the Central Division in 2021.
2021: Agreement to Play at Gila River Arena
The Coyotes secure a year-to-year agreement to play at Gila River Arena until the end of the 2021-2022 season.
January 2022: Talks with ASU for Temporary Arena
In late January 2022, the Coyotes were in talks with Arizona State University (ASU) to use their new 5,000-seat arena as a temporary home arena for the next few years.
February 10, 2022: Agreement to Play at Mullett Arena Signed
On February 10, 2022, the Coyotes signed a three-year agreement to play their games at Mullett Arena, starting with the 2022–23 season.
April 29, 2022: Final Game at Gila River Arena
On April 29, 2022, the Coyotes played their final home game at the Gila River Arena against the Nashville Predators, with a 5–4 comeback win.
2022: Coyotes Move to Mullett Arena
After negotiations with the city of Glendale break down, the Arizona Coyotes sign an agreement to play at Mullett Arena, starting in the 2022-2023 season.
2022: Reverse Retro Uniform
In the 2022–23 season, the Arizona Coyotes wore its 1998–2003 Kachina head alternates as its "Reverse Retro" uniform, but with sienna as the base color.
May 2023: Tempe Arena Proposal Rejected
In May 2023, residents of Tempe reject a proposal for a new Coyotes arena, leading to the suspension of team operations.
May 16, 2023: Tempe Arena Proposal Rejected
A proposal by the Coyotes to build a new arena in Tempe was rejected by residents of the city on May 16, 2023.
October 4, 2023: Diamond Sports Rejected Bally Sports Arizona's Contract
As part of Bally Sports' bankruptcy proceedings, on October 4, 2023, Diamond Sports rejected Bally Sports Arizona's contract with the Coyotes.
October 5, 2023: New Multi-Year Broadcast Agreement
On October 5, 2023, the Coyotes reached a new multi-year broadcast agreement with Scripps Sports.
November 2023: KASW Becomes Flagship Station
In November 2023, Scripps announced that KASW would become the independent station Arizona 61 on November 20, taking over as the flagship station of the Coyotes television network.
2023: One-Year Extension with Bonneville Phoenix
In 2023, the Arizona Coyotes extended the deal with Bonneville Phoenix by one-year.
2023: Launch of Coyotes Central
On February 16, 2024, the Coyotes launched Coyotes Central, a direct-to-consumer streaming service. The service cost $24.99 for the remainder of the 2023–24 season.
January 2024: Scottsdale Mayor Opposes Arena Proposal
In January 2024, Scottsdale mayor David Ortega announced his opposition to a Coyotes' proposal, which planned an arena in northern Phoenix near the border of Scottsdale.
February 16, 2024: Launch of Coyotes Central
On February 16, 2024, the Coyotes launched Coyotes Central, a direct-to-consumer streaming service.
June 2024: Land Auction for Potential Arena Delayed
The auction for 110 acres of state-owned land between Scottsdale Road and Loop 101 in Phoenix, where the Coyotes planned to build an arena, had been delayed from January to June 2024.
2024: Team Operations Suspended
The Arizona Coyotes suspend operations in 2024 after a proposal for a new arena in Tempe is rejected.
2029: Potential Return to the NHL
If the Coyotes secure a new arena by 2029, they will be allowed to rejoin the NHL with their history and records intact.
