On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: Forward Brad Richardson is finishing up his three-year, $6.25 million deal, and the 33-year old is looking for a multi-year deal.
“We had numerous discussions with him over the last month of the season — and probably three discussions since the season ended,” Guy said. “Brad has made it clear that his preference would be to stay in Arizona if we are able to get something done so that’s what we’re going to try to work toward.”
Richardson agent Mark Guy said they’ve held preliminary talks, but haven’t discussed term or dollars yet. Guy expects them to talk term and money by the end of may.
A two- or three-year deal at around the same salary as his current deal makes sense.
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: (before the draft lottery) The Coyotes traded their first-round draft pick last year (No. 7) and Anthony DeAngelo for Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta. If another trade presents itself involving their first-round pick, GM John Chayka said that they would consider it.
“I’m not against anything but it depends where we are picking,” he said. “I find it far-fetched to believe that I would trade two top-10 picks in back-to-back years, but you never say never.
“It was tough to go through that draft and not take your pick, but when that deal became available, at that point that was too necessary for us to pass up. Almost anything is for sale and if someone is going to pay us a higher value than what we perceive the value of that pick to be then you’ve got to listen.”
Richard Morin of the Arizona Republic: GM Chayka expects to be active in the trade market leading up to the draft.
“I’ll definitely be active,” Chayka said of trading around the draft. “There’s no doubt about that. I think that’s an opportunity to make some moves and it’s an opportunity for us to improve our group. … Ultimately, you need someone to say ‘yes.’
“As the draft comes, you try to be more active as well.”