A deal is far from inked but word that a former Phoenix Coyotes star is interested in becoming part owner of the team has raised hopes.

The retired assistant captain Jeremy Roenick said former San Jose Sharks chief executive officer Greg Jamison, who has been pursuing the team for months, approached him recently about becoming part of the potential ownership group. Roenick has since found potential investors who are interested.

"Now I'm just waiting to see what happens," he said, adding that it's "very early" in the process.

Roenick, who has lived with his family in Scottsdale for more than a decade, said he would be excited to be part of the franchise.

"The Coyotes have been a big part of our lives and the community is a big part of our lives," he said.

Roenick has looked on as his former team was dragged into bankruptcy and taken over by the National Hockey League. Since 2009, the league and the city of Glendale have sought a permanent owner willing to keep the team in Glendale at the city-owned arena.

Roenick said he's always believed the Coyotes could thrive under the right circumstances -- "if people realize it's the best sport in the world and we give them a good product to watch."

The Boston native played professional hockey for 20 seasons and wore the Coyotes uniform for about six years. He ended his career with the Sharks. Roenick was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010 and on Saturday, he will be inducted into the Coyotes Ring of Honor. Roenick is the NHL's second highest American born goal scorer of all time.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said Roenick has long been interested "in helping the Coyotes in any way he can to ensure the team stays in the Valley."

He would not comment further on Roenick's announcement or whether there has been recent progress in talks between the league and potential buyers. A Glendale spokeswoman also declined to comment, citing ongoing negotiations.

Roenick said he respects the city attempts to keep hockey in the desert.

"I've been very impressed with Glendale," he said. "The team can thrive there but it has to be the right deal."

Roenick said the deal might include Westgate City Center, a shopping and entertainment spot developed as part of the arena deal. Westgate was taken over by lenders last year.

"I think the deal would have to be including the whole project," he said.

Coyotes fans were excited by Roenick's possible involvement.

Scottsdale resident Austtin Montoya picked up a hockey stick at age 10 after watching Roenick play. He said the outspoken and popular Roenick would bring new excitement to the franchise.

Glendale resident and longtime fan Ben Shroyer agreed.

"He's a good public face that has a history here in the Valley," Shroyer said. "He's a face that could help draw in folks who supported the team when they (played in Phoenix) and didn't really move with the team when they went to Glendale."

Still, both Montoya and Shroyer were cautious. They have seen other deals crumble.

"I'm not going to feel better until I see (NHL Commissioner) Gary Bettman standing in front of a podium saying something, one way or another," Shroyer said.