Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: There are 3 key parts to the Phoenix Coyotes that are free agents, 2 are unrestricted and 1 is restricted. Ilya Bryzgalov (UFA) will be looking for a big raise from his previous 3 year, $12.75 million deal. GM Don Maloney said the team won’t break the bank for 1 player. If Bryzgalov signs for a “hometown discout”, it would give the Coyotes more options for bringing in other players or re-signing their own. Keith Yandle is a restricted free agent and will be wanting a big raise from his current deal which paid him $1.2 million. He’ll be looking for a long-term deal, and Maloney has maintained he’ll be back. Ed Jovanovski would have to take a pay cut to return to the Coyotes, $6.5 million last year. If he leaves, he would free up several millions. The Coyotes total payroll will likely be around the $56 million range. They have 13 total free agents, 8 are unrestricted, so they could be a totally different looking team next year. 3 other UFA’s are Radim Vrbata, Vernon Fiddler and Eric Belanger. Players who could be good fits for the Coyotes are Jussi Jokinen (Car), Ville Leino (Phi) and Brooks Laich (Was). The Coyotes could trade the rights to Ilya Bryzgalov if they feel they can’t get him re-signed and gamble on Jason LaBarbera. Tomas Vokoun is likely too expensive to bring in. Mike Smith has some potential. UFA defenseman that could fit are Christian Ehrhoff, Kevin Bieksa and James Wisniewski.
Take a look at all potential Unrestricted free agents, Restricted free agents, and our Top 25 UFA’s.
