While things might change with a new general manager at the helm, TSN’s Darren Dreger has reported something very interesting when it comes to the game plan set forth by the Arizona Coyotes this offseason. Essentially, the Coyotes are making it known they are open for business, specifically on a certain type of player.
As per Dreger’s comments on TSN1040 out of Vancouver, he notes, “There is a number of teams that have stressed going below that $81.5 million cap and at least a few teams that want to get it into the low 70’s or lower. “He adds, “I heard from a good source today that Arizona has basically said anyone 25 or older, make an offer and they’re willing to listen.”
What’s interesting about this comment, is that the players on the Coyotes that would fall under this category include Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Phil Kessel, Derek Stepan, Michael Grabner, Alex Goligoski, Niklas Hjarlmarsson, Jason Demers, Antti Raanta, and Darcy Kuemper.
There are some incredibly good players on that list, many of whom other teams might have interest in if a team can acquire them for the right price. That price appears to be draft picks as the Coyotes have very few to speak of and were dinged by the NHL because of penalties during the NHL Combine.
The Coyotes might be left with little choice but to embrace a rebuild if this philosophy is their new mandate. It also means that they’re looking to dump players with the highest salaries.
Among those players would be Kessel, Ekman-Larsson and Stepan.
Coyotes Have Been Hit Hard
An organization that struggles at the best of times in the NHL, this news shows what a terrible mess the Coyotes franchise must be in. No doubt, they’ve been hit incredibly hard by the pandemic and ownership likely has taken on other losses during a downturn in the economy. Sacrifices appear to be coming at the expense of the hockey club.
This is unfortunate news for the team, but realistically, not terribly unexpected.
What it means for negotiations for forward Taylor Hall is an entirely other story. There was talk they wanted to retain his services, but he too is about to become an expensive player over the age of 25 and it doesn’t make sense that he’d be the only roster member this new rule doesn’t apply to. Not to mention, why would Hall want to stay if he can clearly see the Coyotes are dumping any names that could have helped the team reach the playoffs.
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