Marty Walsh has been executive director of the NHLPA for less than a year, but he’s already made his mark.
During the NHL All-Star media availability last Friday, Walsh made it known that he and the players’ association had issues with the Arizona Coyotes, their ownership and lack of a new arena.
“I have serious concerns about Arizona,” Walsh said. “I’m extremely disappointed with the ownership of Arizona, with the president of Arizona (Xavier Gutierrez). They have not reached out to the NHLPA and talk to us about what the situation in Arizona is.
“How long do you wait to get a home? They’re playing in a college arena and they’re the second tenant in that arena,” Walsh continued. “This is not the way to run a business.”
On Monday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss Walsh’s comments and what the short- and long-term future of the Coyotes could be.
Tyler Yaremchuk: Some scathing words from Walsh last Friday, and it really speaks to the frustration the NHLPA is feeling against the Coyotes organization.
Frank Seravalli: I think it really speaks to the frustration that the players are voicing to Walsh. He’s the guy who has the bully pulpit, who may not have an avenue available to him or the players in the CBA, as the NHLPA can’t determine where these teams play. However, because he doesn’t have that, he can use his voice to explain to fans that players aren’t happy with the situation.
It’s not just the arena part of it, it’s the unsettled nature of “what happens next?” I’ve been saying for months that the Coyotes are on the clock: that’s not my opinion, that’s reporting and fact, and I believe we are within days or weeks of getting some sort of announcement on the Coyotes front, one way or another.
To listen to the full segment and the rest of the episode, click here…
More must-reads: