For several years, Ryan Smith openly sought an expansion franchise.

Knowing that several bigger markets were also vying for a team, he made it his mission to court Gary Bettman, personally.

When the Coyotes were kicked out of their arena and moved into a university complex, it became an embarrassment to the NHL,

Bettman, who could have approached anyone, came to Smith for assistance, because of their friendship and mutual respect.

Smith, to his credit, changed his focus and decided to pay what most consider a hyper-inflated price, in order to get a franchise now rather than wait for expansion.