Breaking: Savior of NHL franchise dead at age 47

The Arizona Coyotes have announced the passing of former team owner George Gosbee. 

As reported by Craig Morgan of NHL.com, the details of his death are unknown at this time aside from the fact that he passed yesterday,

Morgan had several interesting quotes in response to the news of Gosbee's passing.

"In my opinion, George Gosbee was the most important person, outside of Gary Bettman, for the Coyotes remaining in Arizona,“ former Coyotes CEO Anthony LeBlanc said.

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly had this to say.

“George stepped up at a time when this franchise needed him most. He and his partners created an opportunity for the Coyotes to carve a long-term future in the Valley -- an opportunity that may not have existed without them."

That's a very interesting tidbit there - Gosbee's contributions to Arizona allowed for the Coyotes to stay put when the team's future was at its most dire in the desert.

If it weren't for him, the Coyotes may have relocated. There will always be talks of it happening in the future - but the plans he laid down saved the franchise.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.