2014-2015 Review
The Coyotes were one of the worst teams in the NHL last season, and unlike some of their basement dwelling counterparts (Edmonton, Buffalo), things aren’t looking great for this season either. Keith Yandle was traded at the deadline, ownership and the city of Glendale are constantly bickering and arguing over arena issues leading to attendance and payroll issues, and no major free agents arrived. The Coyotes have a couple of young pieces to monitor, but it will probably be another lean year in the desert.
New Additions
Antoine Vermette
Vermette was moved at the trade deadline last year and won a Cup with Chicago, but he came back to the desert after a mixed bag performance with the Blackhawks. A solid two way player, his lack of real production in Chicago probably limited his options. Sometimes returning to what you know is a smart move, however, as Vermette should see top six minutes and mentor his young forward teammates.
Nicklas Grossmann
You know it’s bad when Grossmann is one of your offseason acquisitions. Acquired from Philadelphia this summer, his possession numbers leave much to be desired, but he will be a (big) warm body for the rebuilding Coyotes.
Anders Lindback
Lindback had periods of productivity last year with Buffalo after being dealt by Dallas, but he has never lived up to his potential and has bounced around the league. He’ll steal some starts from Mike Smith with the opportunity for more should Smith play bad, but there isn’t much here.
The ghost of Chris Pronger
Wow, a Hall of Fame player coming to the desert (at least, his contract is). Oh, right, he hasn’t played in five years and actually has a job with the league. That’s the NHL for you.
Key Losses
Sam Gagner
All things considered, Gagner’s 15 goals and 41 points last season were a nice boost for the offensively challenged Coyotes. Still, Gagner was seen as a free agent “bust” and got shipped to Philadelphia. His roster spot will be filled by a prospect.
Mark Arcobello
When you don’t have much, you can’t lose much. Arcobello actually played well for Arizona last year, but he saw more minutes against tougher competition than he should have. He’ll have a bottom six role with Toronto this season.
Biggest Strength
First Pairing Defense
The Coyotes may severely lack depth at virtually every position, but their top line duo of Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Michael Stone was outstanding last season at stymying top opposition forwards. Ekman-Larsson provides the offense, while Stone was able to focus on defending. Combined, Ekman-Larsson and Stone were right about 50% Fenwick-For and played the toughest minutes on the team, no small accomplishment on a lottery team.
Biggest Weakness
NHL Caliber Talent
Look, nobody is trying to kick the dogs while they’re down, but this team is young and lacks depth across the board. The top six forwards will consist of players past their prime (Shane Doan) and prospects seeing their first NHL campaigns (Anthony Duclair), while their defense is suspect outside of their top two. In goal is Mike Smith, who hasn’t come close to replicating his 2011-2012 season. It’s good to give prospects NHL experience, and it’s part of the rebuild plan, but at the same time this is a franchise that should have another top three pick at the next draft.
Bottom Line
The Coyotes will be in for a long season in the stacked Western Conference. With ownership failing to provide stability for the franchise, the hope is that the young kids put the business side of things behind them and just play. If so, the Coyotes have an “Edmonton-lite” trio in Anthony Duclair, Max Domi, and Tobias Rieder that could be fun to watch.
Fantasy Slant
Most Overrated: Mike Smith
Don’t look back on the second half of Smith’s season last year and draft him. Smith is not good, and the team in front of him isn’t either. Sure, he’ll have stretches where he will be competent, but he’s going to turn 34 during the season, and goaltender is not a position in which players typically age well. When you get to the end of the draft, don’t consider him as a third goalie, take a flyer on goalie with more upside and better context. The same goes for Shane Doan.
Most Underrated: Anthony Duclair
Received from the Rangers in the Keith Yandle deal, Duclair saw action in 18 NHL games in New York, netting one goal and six assists. As part of Arizona’s youth movement, he should get top six minutes and play with a more well-known and well-hyped prospect in Max Domi, but Duclair is worth a flyer. He possesses solid fundamental skills as well as rare playmaking ability, exactly what you want with a late round pick.
Biggest Surprise: Mikkel Boedker
Outside of Oliver Ekman-Larsson, nobody on Arizona is on the fantasy radar. Boedker, however, should be considered someone to keep watch of. Injured for much of last season, Boedker seemed poised to build on his 2013-2014 season, in which he scored 19 goals and 52 points with a reasonable 11.4% shooting percentage. Entering a contract year and slated to see top line and power play unit minutes, Boedker could surprise people with a quiet 20 goal, 50+ point season.