On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: The Coyotes are expected to name at least one assistant coach next week. Source said that Teppo Numminen is not one of their candidates despite rumors.
“We’re getting further down the road,” Chayka said. “There’s a lot of good coaches so more than anything, it’s about finding the right fit for the group and finding guys that have a certain personality.”
GM John Chayka wouldn’t comment on Anthony Duclair contract talks. They are expected to sign him to a short-term deal.
Chayka is still working the phones trying to get another deal done. The Coyotes are heavy on left-handed shooters upfront and on the blueline.
“I’m still trying to get one more thing done,” he said. “We’ll see.”
On the Ottawa Senators …
Cory Wilkins of theScore: Senators GM Pierre Dorion was on TSN 1200 yesterday after they signed defenseman Johnny Oduya. Dorion said that Oduya turned down more money to join the Senators.
“He wanted to go to a team that had a chance to win,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion told TSN 1200 on Monday. “I know for a fact that a team offered him more money and he chose to go to (the Senators) just for the reason that he felt it was a better fit and they have a better chance to win.”
Craig Medaglia – NHL.com Ottawa Senators: Senators GM Pierre Dorion on the Oduya signing.
“He’s a possible partner for Erik Karlsson but he also gives other guys on our defence corps the possibility to play with him as well.”
On an Oduya – Karlsson pairing.
“That’ll be up to Guy Boucher. The coach decides who plays with who and we’ve said that since I’ve been GM here. He has carte blanche to play whoever he wants with whoever he wants but at the same time I think without divulging any secrets here, Erik is very happy about us signing this player.”