Arizona Coyotes search for goal scoring…
Craig Morgan of The Athletic: Imagine not having one 20-goal scorer in your lineup. For a variety of reasons, that is what happened to the Arizona Coyotes this season.
“It’s not just the number,” Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet said. “It’s having those guys that can improve your chances; give you a bigger margin for error. When you’re not at your best, those guys can still find a way to get you a win.”
Again, goal scoring is sexy along with finding a number one center. The problem is several options will not be headed to Arizona.
Looking at trade options with Toronto and perhaps Tampa Bay is possible. It comes down to an Alex Galchenyuk or Clayton Keller regaining their old form, more than likely. With top prospect Barrett Hayton playing in the NHL this year, the time is now as opposed to later.
Does the sign then trade option for Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky happen?
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic : Alas, this all comes down to the eighth year and how much this is worth for all parties involved. Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky poised to leave Columbus anyway. Should Columbus at least get something for one or both of them?
Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky would both be interested in that eighth year. Also, it lowers the cap hit as typically that last year has a little less cash involved. Would a second-round pick for each be enough? It is a distinct possibility.
The real wrinkle in all of this may just be Matt Duchene. Duchene enjoyed a nice postseason for Columbus and Ottawa is interested. How much would it cost for say that eighth year? Could there be a three-way sign and trade scenario? It might appease Columbus, Ottawa, and even the third team. The Duchene situation will be intriguing to see how it plays out. More than likely, Pierre Dorion does not bite and Columbus has the upper hand in re-signing Duchene. Stay tuned.
After that, there is William Karlsson and Brock Boeser. Do Vegas and Vancouver go shorter deal or more long-term? Boeser could sign around $8 million AAV on a shorter deal or go a hair less on a longer one. Karlsson expects to be somewhere in the $6.5 to $7.5 million dollar range to buy up some years of free agency.