The Arizona Coyotes are four points out of a wild card spot with a game in hand at press time. Despite significant injuries, the Coyotes are still within striking distance of a wildcard spot. Losing Antti Raanta hurt but Arizona is staying in the race with a goaltender by committee approach. Also, uneven production from players like Richard Panik has hurt.
GM John Chayka unloaded Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini for Nick Schmaltz. Schmaltz worked briefly but then suffered a long term injury. There was the trade last week for Jordan Weal. All Chayka gave up there was a 2019 sixth-round draft pick.
Arizona sees themselves in the dreaded middle ground position. The playoffs are close enough but are the pieces there to make a run? Are they sellers or buyers? The problem is this team has six players on the injured reserve — all are vital regulars in their lineup. They would not be aggressive buyers and selling may be hesitated upon because of their positioning. Ultimately, selling could be the realistic option anyway.
The Arizona Coyotes SPC Dilemma
At some point, the general manager faces the standard playing contract issue. What is that? Basically, John Chayka has 50 players signed to contracts and the maximum is 50. This means a trade can happen one of three ways, in theory. One would be a trade for an equal amount of signed players/prospects. Second, Arizona involves a third team to facilitate a trade or uses draft picks. The third method assumes Arizona makes a 2 for 1 or uneven transaction.
The Arizona Coyotes haunted by the contracts of Dave Bolland and Marian Hossa which were to acquire cap to stay above the salary floor. At least, Bolland’s contract comes off the books for next season. Hossa has two more seasons left after 2018-19.
In the meantime, John Chayka must make a decision. Does he continue the long rebuild or does he try to make the playoffs? The rebuild likely wins out here.
Who could come and go? Let’s take a peak.
Arizona Coyotes Selling Pieces
Richard Panik — The winger possesses an easy to move expiring contract which could net a solid draft pick. Panik’s problem this year remains his inconsistent play. Panik plays the tough minutes which are not fun given the team’s struggles at times. Teams looking at a player like Panik may include Boston, Nashville, Colorado, and Minnesota. The $2.8 million dollar AAV offers a reasonable amount of flexibility. Richard Panik can play on the power play as well. There remains a slight chance Washington might trade Andre Burakovsky, which could intrigue both parties.
Alex Goligoski — Goligoski finds ways to be relevant offensively. How he gets his 35 points plus a year flatly is a mystery. The Arizona Coyotes defenseman moves the puck well though at times he does get caught defensively flat-footed. Some feel that happens too often for their comfort. His $5.475 million AAV for the next 2+ seasons offers a bit of a roadblock as well. However, if the right team and right price come along, Goligoski could be dealt.
Niklas Hjalmarsson — Hjalmarsson found his defensive game this season against all odds. His relative possession compared to the team is +2.6% at even strength. There are a few snags in a trade. His cap hit is $4.1 million over the next few seasons. Also, the Arizona Coyotes defenseman submits a ten team list of teams he desires to go to. As of now, no one has asked him for a list but that could happen at any time.
A couple of cheaper selling options…
Jordan Weal — Weal was just dealt for and he may be gone in a flash. Arizona’s 2019-20 plan likely does not include the center. He is another expiring contract in a sea of them for the Coyotes. Weal plays currently on a line with Clayton Keller and Christian Fischer. If Weal produces over the next few weeks, John Chayka can trade him for some value.
Jordan Oesterle — Oesterle presents as a cheap, underlying move to be made closer to the trade deadline. His contract is easy to move and the defenseman has been serviceable for the Arizona Coyotes. Oesterle racking up nearly 21 minutes a night over the last six games in ice time is significant. Consider the fact this is 3+ minutes above his season average.
It appears at this point Arizona is selling more than buying. Making lateral moves would not be a big shock.
Some Final Words From John Chayka…
Richard Morin of the Arizona Republic: Chayka was asked about moves that could help the team now and in the future.
“I don’t think we’re really looking to be a deadline team in the sense that we need to make moves at the deadline,” Coyotes President of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Chayka said. “Obviously you can’t make those type of moves after that, but we’re trying to improve our group in both the short term and the long term then we’re going to do that. We’re always having discussions and I’m not going to delay those discussions just because there’s a deadline in place.
“If we can do something now that improves our group in both ways, I’d definitely be looking to do that.”
Again, stay tuned because with the Arizona Coyotes, one never knows.