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Maple Leafs Visit Desert, Stirring Hockey Return Talk
28 Sep
Summary
- Maple Leafs practiced at Mullett Arena during a team-bonding trip.
- Players with Arizona ties express desire for NHL team's return.
- Phoenix area proves a strong development ground for NHL talent.
The Toronto Maple Leafs recently visited the desert for a team-bonding trip, which included a practice at Mullett Arena. This trip highlighted the strong connections several Maple Leafs players have to the Phoenix market. Auston Matthews, a Scottsdale native, and rookie Gavin McKenna, who debuted his college hockey career at Mullett Arena, are prominent examples.
Forward Matthew Knies, also from the area, shared his positive observations about hockey's growth in the desert. He expressed a strong desire for an NHL team to return to the region, acknowledging its significance to his own hockey journey. Knies recalled attending Coyotes games growing up, emphasizing their role in his development.
The Phoenix area has proven to be a fertile ground for developing NHL talent. Beyond Matthews and Knies, players like Josh Doan and Mark Kastelic have emerged from Arizona's hockey system. Doan, who recently signed a seven-year contract extension, had a strong 2025-26 season. Kastelic is recognized for his physical play and has established himself in the NHL.
The success of these players underscores the potential for professional hockey to thrive again in the desert. This development pipeline could serve as a compelling argument for a future NHL franchise in Phoenix.
