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Questions about Coyotes’ future hold up Tippett signing

TippettMaloney

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 24: Head coach Dave Tippett of the Phoenix Coyotes speaks during a press conference after being introduced by General Manager Don Maloney (L) at Jobing.com Arena on September 24, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Don Maloney;Dave Tippett

Christian Petersen

Dave Tippett has agreed to the “dollars and cents” on a contract with the Phoenix Coyotes, he just needs clarity on the future of the franchise before signing a deal, Sportnet’s Chris Johnston reports.

Coyotes GM Don Maloney recently signed a contract extension with the team, but he understands Tippett’s concerns (and the fact that he could draw some serious suitors).

“Where he’s going to be coaching next year, that’s important to him -- and I get it,” Maloney said. “He’s a very wanted commodity.”

Despite word that that Renaissance Sports Entertainment and the City of Glendale came to an arena lease agreement in principle last week,* the wheels continue to spin on the ownership situation, with the latest rumored possible relocation target being Seattle.

It’s unclear how it will all sort out, but this ownership mess, Tippett’s unsettled status and Mike Smith’s looming free agency make for a huge summer for the Coyotes.

* - There’s a reason people practically strained muscles in noting that nothing was set in stone.