Where are the Arizona Coyotes moving? Is it for sure?

After the last horn blared on a night of love, hate and tears at Tempe's Mullett Arena, Arizona Coyotes' fans were left to wander into the night to wonder where their team will play next season.

April has been a roller coaster for those fans. It started with news that Coyotes' owner Alex Meruelo was eyeing a patch of state-owned desert in north Phoenix for a future arena and entertainment district.

Within days, the Associated Press broke the news that the Coyotes could end up in Salt Lake City in a three-way deal involving Meruelo, the National Hockey League, and the owner of the Utah Jazz, Ryan Smith.

Details were spotty, and nothing was confirmed, but on Wednesday, Smith did nothing to dispel the rumors, saying they were "pretty true."

Here's what we know, and here's how things stand:

Are the Arizona Coyotes moving to Salt Lake City?

It's not crystal clear yet, but all the signs are pointing to Utah at the moment. Nothing has been announced by any of the interested parties.

First, there was Smith's remarks. Also, there has been widespread reporting, much of it based on anonymous sources, hinting at the outlines of the deal.

Meruelo would sell the Coyotes to the NHL, in return for a commitment to gain an expansion team within five years if he can build an arena in Arizona. In turn, the NHL would sell the franchise to Smith, who wants to bring pro hockey to Salt Lake City.

Nothing is certain. The NHL would be taking a franchise out of a major market with a population approaching 5 million to a region with 1.2 million people. The NHL has not taken a position on such a possible arrangement, but one former league GM blasted it.

What will happen to the Coyotes in Arizona?

Meruelo, who has not spoken publicly, could retain control of business operations and could use the proceeds of the sale to buy the state trust land in north Phoenix.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs met with team leadership last year to understand the Coyotes' plans and their future in Arizona. Her top aide, a former Coyotes lobbyist, also had discussions with team executives but has declined to say what they were about.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the team was "working with" the governor's office to secure the state land still set for auction on June 27.

Reactions elsewhere around the Valley have been less enthusiastic. Initially, Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega blasted the deal but then softened his critique.

Leaders in Glendale, where the Coyotes last had a permanent home, and Tempe, where voters rejected plans for a Coyotes arena, ranged from sadness over the possible departure to a sense of inevitability.