Coyotes could move to this unlikely former NHL home

Could the Whalers return to Hartford? It's a distinct possibility, according to Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. 

Lamont recently confirmed to Dennis House of WTNH News 8 that an ownership group is prepared to purchase the Arizona Coyotes and move them to Hartford.

"Right now, the Coyotes don't have a place to play on a permanent basis, so they're looking around, trying to find options, and Connecticut is definitely on the radar screen, Lamont said. "It's a hockey center here. We love hockey. We have the national champions here. And the fact that the Rangers and the Bruins are nearby is a good thing because it means we have a lot of hockey interest." 

It's been nearly 30 years since the Whalers played the "Brass Bonanza" for the final time, trading in their green and blue for the Carolina Hurricanes' red in 1997. While nostalgia and one of the all-time best logos helped the Whalers stay relevant throughout the years, returning to the ice seemed like a pipe dream at best. And while it might seem like a longshot still, Lamont insists he's doing everything to help bring an NHL team back to Hartford. 

If there truly is a group prepared to buy the Coyotes and move them to Hartford, they'll need somewhere to play. Unfortunately, at the moment, the same problem the team has in Arizona exists in Hartford. 

The XL Center, where the Whalers previously played, will undergo $80M in upgrades after the passing of a recent bill. Lamont admitted that more would be needed to house an NHL squad but ensured that if the Coyotes come, the arena will receive more upgrades. 

As for the name, Lamont would unsurprisingly want the team to be called the Whalers. However, the Hurricanes will have a say in that matter if it arises.