Report: Utah Grizzlies moving to New Jersey

After 31 seasons and two Turner Cup championships, the Utah Grizzlies are reportedly on the move.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli, whose sources are generally considered as good as gold, posted on X Monday with the news. Starting in 2026-27, they’ll play in Trenton, New Jersey.

CURE Insurance Arena, the arena they’ll call home, hosted the Trenton Titans ECHL team from 1999 to 2013.

The Grizzlies announced in June that they were up for sale, following the passing of two influential members of the Grizzlies organization: former owner Dave Elmore in 2023 and president/CEO Kevin Bruder in May. The declining health of Elmore’s wife and team co-owner Donna Tuttle was also a factor in the sale, according to the team.

“This is an emotional and difficult moment for our family and our organization,” said Elmore Sports Group in a June 22 press release. “Utah has been more than a home — it has been part of our identity. But ensuring the Grizzlies have the opportunity to thrive in the future may require new ownership and, potentially, a new home.”

The Grizzlies will remain in West Valley City for the 2025-26 season. They’re currently the ECHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, though their affiliation agreement concludes at the end of the upcoming season.

Most ECHL travel is done by bus. With Utah being among the furthest-west teams and the bulk of their conference being located in the Midwest, they spent a lot of time on the road. Assuming they make their way to the Eastern Conference next season, Trenton’s team won’t have to travel nearly as much.