While the NHL no longer has operational control over the Phoenix Coyotes, the league is still willing to give the franchise a hand. Commissioner Gary Bettman stated on Tuesday that the league was planning on bringing the All-Star Game to Glendale in the near future.
There is no specific date planned at this time, but Bettman expressed that it was a commitment the league was interested in honoring, via the twitter feed of Sarah McLellan:
"We're going to do that at some point," Bettman said. "I don't know what the date is yet but it'll be our pleasure to honor a commitment to bring the All-Star Game here."
Looking ahead, the NHL will be without an All-Star Game during the 2013-14 season because of the Winter Olympics. In addition, the Columbus Blue Jackets were scheduled to host the 2012-13 star-studded exhibition but were unable to because of the lockout. This means Columbus is likely to host the 2014-15 All-Star Game, making 2015-16 the first available spot for Glendale.
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