NHL Notebook: A look at potentialnames for the soon-to-be relocated Coyotes and Macklin Celebrini wins 2024 Hobey Baker Award

The conversation around the Arizona Coyotes’ possibility of relocating has become more realistic every day, and although there’s still plenty to unfold, the possible move already has people imagining a suggested name for the franchise.

Over the past week, rumours of the Arizona Coyotes being sold to Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith have come to life, meaning the Coyotes could be on the verge of moving to Salt Lake City, Utah, to settle into a new home. 

Daily Faceoff’s latest roundtable contributors sought to answer the question of what could be the suggested name for the soon-to-be franchise.

The Utah Dynamite

Although intrigued by the idea of playing with the excellent quality beer the city produces, Scott Maxwell opted to land on the Utah Dynamite. 

“Napoleon Dynamite creators Jared and Jerusha Hess went to Brigham Young University’s film school in Utah,” said Maxwell. “And that’s where they began to create the iconic film.”

The Utah Scorpions

Mike Gould doubts whether an NHL team will work in Salt Lake City, but he opted to go with the Utah Scorpions. 

“It has a good ring to it,” said Gould. “There are plenty of scorpions in Utah, and it would give them the opportunity to adopt a pretty striking and unique colour scheme.”

The Utah Swarm

Alongside the nickname The Hive for the Delta Centre, the Utah Swarm fits nicely with the State being known to some as the Beehive State.

“With the hive symbolizing hard work, co-operation and industry. Sounds a lot like the type of values a coach would want to preach to a hockey team,” said Matt Larkin. 

The Utah Dragons

Although contributor Steven Ellis wanted to go with a comedic name like the Utah Pickles, he decided upon the Utah Dragons. He emphasizes a yellow and purple colour scheme, an entertaining mascot, and an elaborate pre-game entrance. 

“[The Dragon is] the most menacing monster around, but there’s almost nothing across the board for North American pro sports,” said Ellis.

The Utah Yeti

Frank Seravalli would like to see Smith contact the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies owners and try to get the go-ahead to purchase their trademarks, name, and logos. 

However, if sticking with something hockey fans already know isn’t in Smith’s cards, then Seravalli votes for the Utah Yeti.

“Yes, there is some brand confusion potentially with the cooler and drinkware company,” said Seravalli. “But they could mutually benefit. There’s all sorts of logo and graphic options for the Yeti and it sounds mean and awesome.”

Top draft prospect Macklin Celebrini wins 2024 Hobey Baker Award

Macklin Celebrini, the star player from Boston University and likely first overall pick of the upcoming 2024 draft has won the prestigious Hobey Baker Award for the 2023-24 season as the best men’s NCAA hockey player.

The award was announced via Twitter, congratulating Celebrini, who beat out Boston College’s and Anaheim Ducks prospect Cutter Gauthier, as well as North Dakota’s and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jackson Blake to become the first 17-year-old to receive the prestigious award.