‘Get them out of there’: Former Canuck Ed Jovanovski blasts Arizona Coyotes’ situation

Ed Jovanovski has never really been afraid to speak his mind.

And on Thursday, the former Vancouver Canucks defenceman made an appearance on Donnie and Dhali — The Team, where he indeed spoke his mind.

Jovanovski spent six seasons with the Canucks before the club allowed him to walk in free agency following the 2005-06 season. It was the former first overall pick’s first chance at unrestricted free agency, and Jovanovski agreed to terms with the Phoenix Coyotes on a five year deal worth $32.5 million. The Arizona Coyotes have been in the news lately, as their future remains in serious doubt after residents voted down the organization’s proposal to build a $2.1 billion entertainment district.

Jovanovski gave his thoughts on the Coyotes’ situation and didn’t mince words.

“Well I think we can all agree it’s time to get out of there,” said Jovanovski. “I mean, you’re gonna play another year at Mullett Arena, it is what it is… I saw the clip this morning from Patrick Mahomes on his Twitter about how they’d love to have them in Kansas City, Ithink there are a lot of viable options that will work. I think for players, listen, you want to play in an environment where you’re welcome, where you feel that you’re playing in front of fans. I mean, that’s it. I mean, yeah, I hear that Mullett Arena is a great spot with the noise and this and that, but it’s a lot different playing in front of 18-19,000 people on a nightly basis versus that.”

“I hope it all gets figured out here, you know Gary’s a smart guy, Daly’s a smart guy, I think they’ll figure it out,” Jovanovski added. “But let’s face it, it’s been years. It was happening when I was there. My cheques were being signed by the league when I was there. So I think when you look at the whole situation there, they’ve tried, and it doesn’t seem like it’s working.”

While the rest of the league’s observers throw around relocation ideas, the Coyotes’ ownership group insists that they remain committed to finding a new home in Arizona.

For now.