Salt Lake City launches push for NHL expansion team

A Salt Lake City group has moved a step closer to bringing the NHL to Utah.

Smith Entertainment Group, parent company of the NBA's Utah Jazz, formally requested Wednesday that the NHL initiate the expansion process.

SEG told the NHL it could host a team as early as next season, with the Delta Center (home of the Jazz) serving as an interim home arena.

"SEG envisions a near future where the NHL will thrive in Utah, and we are 100 percent focused on making this happen as soon as possible," SEG chairman Ryan Smith, governor of the Utah Jazz, said in a press release.

"We are passionate about sports and entertainment in the state and are committed to providing premium sports and entertainment experiences for the people of Utah and visitors from around the world. We are ready to welcome the NHL and are confident that the time and attention being spent by all parties will bring one of the most exciting and dynamic leagues in the world to our community on a permanent basis."

The SEG release said the group has been in discussions with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman since early 2022.

The league released a statement on Wednesday.

"The NHL appreciates the interest expressed by Smith Entertainment Group to bring NHL hockey to Utah," the NHL statement said. "During conversations over the course of the past two years, we have been impressed by Ryan and Ashley Smith's commitment to their community and their passion and vision for Utah, not only as a hockey market, but as a preeminent sports and entertainment destination. Utah is a promising market, and we look forward to continuing our discussions."

Delta Center has hosted five NHL preseason games since 2018.

Professional hockey has been played in Utah since the 1969 debut of the minor league Salt Lake Golden Eagles. Currently the Utah Grizzlies are the ECHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche.

The NHL expanded to 32 teams with the debut of the Seattle Kraken in 2021-22.