Coyotes Offseason Roundup

[Parker]

This preseason, in addition to most of the players returning from Phoenix's division-winning team, the Coyotes will have a few new faces in training camp as well as one or two familiar ones. While most of the roster appears to be set, the departure of several players creates one or two question marks, and September should see some spirited competition for the final roster spots. However, with the Coyotes' proximity to the salary cap counting just the players considered a lock to make the team, cost-effectiveness will have to be a key to making the cut.

In July, Phoenix and the Detroit Red Wings pulled off a blockbuster trade, with Detroit acquiring sniper Mikkel Boedker, two-way forward Lauri Korpikoski, defensive stalwart Erik Gudbranson, and a third round draft pick in exchange for 100-point scoring center Mike Richards and previously-acquired blueline prospect Ricard Blidstrand. With the added depth up the middle from the Richards trade as well as from the draft (Vladislav Namestnikov, Tomas Hertl), and salary cap issues due to raises to Phoenix's outstanding draft class of 2010, centers Chris Higgins and Boyd Gordon were shipped out: the Professor to Toronto for a third round pick, Gordon to Dallas for a fifth-rounder. The team was also forced to decline the option on long-time Coyote veteran Ed Jovanovski's contract and his $5.4M. Impending free agent Francois Beauchemin was sent to division rival San Jose in exchange for a fifth round pick.

The departure of Gudbranson and Jovanovski opens up two spots on Phoenix's blue line, one of which is expected to be filled by Kurt Sauer's return to a full-time role. For the sixth man, Phoenix has a number of options. Ricard Blidstrand made his NHL debut for the Wings last season and acquitted himself well, though scouting reports were common of his need to fill out his frame a little and build some more strength. 2011 draftee Mattias Backman was solid in his rookie season with Portland, but the team doesn't want to rush his development. Sam Grist got a brief look last year and four games with the Leafs in 2011-12, so he's likely in the mix. As well, the Coyotes added veteran blueliner Bryan Allen and fan favorite Jim Vandermeer through free agency. Allen is expected to compete for a spot, as Phoenix scouts report an improved work ethic and more mature attitude as a result of his year away from the game. Vandermeer is versatile enough to hold his own on defense, but the team appears to be grooming him for a checking winger role where he'll likely be called on to help mentor young players like Namestnikov, Hertl, Chris Brown, Andrej Nestrasil, and returning Coyotes draftee Maximilien Le Sieur (acquired from Toronto for a third round pick).

The team also came to terms with several unsigned prospects, including second-rounders Trevor Carrick (2012) and Tyler Hill (2013) as well as 2011 picks Dane Fox, Nicholas Shore, Kevin Roy, Michael St. Croix, and Philip Tot. All are expected to be invited to training camp, as well as Portland standouts Gal Koren, Logan Shaw, and Joseph Labate. Goaltender Matt McNeely, fresh off World Juniors gold and a standout season for the University of Minnesota-Duluth, is also expected to get a long look.