NHL in talks to bring pro hockey team to Seattle

SEATTLE — The National Hockey League is reportedly in advanced talks to bring a professional hockey team to Seattle's KeyArena next season.

Seattle is being looked at as a “plan B" if a deal can't be struck to keep the Phoenix Coyotes in Arizona.

The NHL owns the Coyotes, and there is a deal on the table to sell them to an Arizona-based group, but that group still needs to strike an arena agreement with the city of Glendale if they want the team.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that if the Arizona deal falls through, the team could be sold to two investors who would move the team to Seattle.

The Seattle Times reports the investors have already met with Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn.

According to the CBC, the potential owners in Arizona have until July 2 to get an arena deal in place or the team will move to Seattle.

The NHL would want a Seattle franchise to eventually play in Chris Hansen's new arena in the SoDo district, but that project can't break ground until an NBA team is secured.

Since that hasn't happened, Seattle city leaders aren't sure if they can change the agreement to build an arena with just a hockey franchise in place.

KIRO