Written by Jordan Gluck of dylanswisdom.com, and can be found at @dylanswisdom
When looking at the Coyotes at the start of the season, I and probably most of you think the same thing. Which players are going to be in there fire sale at the deadline? To the surprise of many they Dave Tippets team stays competitive and makes the playoffs as they’ve done the past 2 seasons and are on pace to again this season. Although they have no owner, GM Don Maloney have put a competitive team on the ice with a budget payroll.
With 73 points on top of the pacific division they will be looking to add but on a budget. They have already acquired Antoine Vermette from the Columbus Blue Jackets. One big area of concern is they’re last ranked power play. Radim Vrbata has had a tremendous season already reaching the 30 goal plateau. All star Keith Yandle has also had a very impressive season, so has coyotes points leader Ray Whitney and captain Shane Doan. I also look at how goalie Mike Smith is performing and who needs Bryzgolov (enjoy Philly only 8 years left). If not for Panthers coach Kevin Dineen and Blues coach Ken Hitchcock, Dave Tippet would be favored for the Jack Adams award.
This team will try to make some additions although not of the blockbuster variety. These are some players they will have a chance of acquiring. With no owner all moves require NHL approval.
Marc-Andre Bergeron – IF he gets healthy he would be a great choice. He is a power play specialist and only makes 1 million this year. He would be a great pair with Keith Yandle on the 1st power play team.
Ryan Whitney – with the season Edmonton is having they maybe looking to move him. He has 1 more year left on his deal and he would provide a strong offensive force from the defensive position.
Vaclav Prospal – he would be a nice depth piece at center. He would not cost much either.
Brad Boyes – he would provide depth behind Vrbata at right wing. He is a UFA at years end and Buffalo is looking to move some pieces.
Mikhail Grobavski – He is more doubtful but still worth a mention. He would likely cost a 1st round pick. He is a UFA in 4 months and will be looking for big money.
Derek Roy – this could be a very opportune trade for the Yotes. Roy is having a awful season in his eyes. He is a short center but will provide for more scoring. He is also controllable for an additional season.
They will have to move some pieces in return and this is who they may move
Oliver-Ekman Larson – he will only be involved in a major trade. He is a very valuable piece that can play well now and is only 20.
Picks/prospects – Brandon Gormley, Brett MacLean, and Chris Summers would be involved in any very skilled addition.
Ray Whitney/Shane Doan – I would only see a case that they would trade any of these two if they got younger NHL talent now that is controllable.
When looking at the Yotes they always seem to surprise you. Who knows where they will play next year whether it be Seattle, Kansas City, or Quebec City. They can also stay in Glendale but they are Losing 20-30 million dollars so that will have to change. The Coyotes maybe a quiet team on deadline day. They are a team looking to take the next step.