Coyotes release statement on $1.3M tax debt

The Arizona Coyotes released a statement in response to the story of outstanding and delinquent bills, including more than $1.3M in state and municipal taxes:

We have already launched an investigation to determine how this could have happened and initial indications are that it appears to be the result of an unfortunate human error. Regardless, we deeply regret the inconvenience this has caused. We will make sure that by tomorrow morning, the Arizona Coyotes are current on all of our bills and owe no state or local taxes whatsoever. And we will take immediate steps to ensure that nothing like this can ever possibly happen again. 

Katie Strang of The Athletic comments on the statement, explaining that the outstanding tax bill dates back to June 2020, suggesting this is not a case of a few isolated payments that were missed. Chris Johnston of TSN notes that though there is not much concern over whether the Coyotes can pay that $1.3M debt, the negotiation between Arizona ownership and the city of Glendale over Gila River Arena continues. The city has told the management company to not allow Coyotes workers inside if the bill isn’t paid by Dec. 20 but long before that also moved to terminate the lease agreement following this season.

• Pierre LeBrun of TSN meanwhile reports from the NHL Board of Governors meetings, noting that Fenway Sports Group is at the event to meet the rest of the executive committee. The vote on the ownership change of the Pittsburgh Penguins is expected to take place, and LeBrun notes that it is expected to be a “rubber stamp” process with no complications. Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News tweeted recently that the value of the Penguins will be set at $915M for the sale, and current owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle will retain just a combined five percent of the franchise.
• There’s a new player in the trade bait world, as Jeff Marek debuts his new Rink Fries column for Sportsnet by breaking down what he calls the “players of interest” as the deadline approaches. That list starts with Seattle Kraken captain Mark Giordano, who could potentially represent a huge chip for the expansion club to play at some point this season. Giordano is on an expiring contract and is now 38, but he would be highly coveted at a deadline that could very well have a lack of impact defensemen available.