NHL 2 Portland? Not much to talk about ‘at this point,’ Blazers’ McGowan says

Published 12:00 am Thursday, February 9, 2017

Reports that representatives of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes have toured Moda Center with the possibility of a franchise move is news to Chris McGowan.

“We aren’t aware of any NHL teams coming to Portland and looking at Moda Center,” says McGowan, president and CEO of the Trail Blazers, who own and operate the arena. “I’m not sure where that’s all from, but it’s certainly not anything we arranged.”

The Coyotes are not happy with their arena situation in Glendale. Taxpayers still owe $150 million on 14-year-old Gila River Arena, but ownership is pushing for a new building.

The Glendale Star reported the Coyotes were checking out the potential of a move to Portland or Seattle.

“If there was something going on I could talk about, I would,” McGowan said Thursday night, “but there really isn’t anything at this point.”