Arizona Coyotes Free Agency Preview/Outlook, Potential Fits
By Ryan Ritchie
Arizona Coyotes Free Agency Preview/Outlook, Salary Cap Situation, Restricted Free Agents, Team Needs, and Potential Fits
Heading into July 1st, Arizona Coyotes free agency outlook is still somewhat unclear. This is primarily due to prospects expected to take the next step.
It’s always a difficult time of year – more so for the Yotes this summer – who could have as many as four or more rookies in their lineup in the Fall. For new GM John Chayka, he has money spend in free agency, but it’s a matter of balance ensuring you have enough NHL talent in case those prospects head back to Junior/or the AHL.
Don’t be surprised if Arizona signs players to PTOs (professional tryout offers) leading into training camp.
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This might be the best way to ensure the Coyotes have the necessary depth to stay competitive in 2016-17.
2015-16 was a promising year for the young Coyotes.
Rookies Max Domi and Anthony Duclair exceeded expectations in year one, and look to be significant core pieces moving forward.
The Yotes fared well overall, and were in a playoff position for a long time before losing starter Mike Smith – whose play was average at best.
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Arizona Coyotes Free Agency Outlook/Preview
Salary Committed to 2016-17: $34,444,204
Number of Players Signed: 28
Notable Unrestricted Free Agents: Shane Doan, Alex Tanguay, Boyd Gordon, Viktor Tikhonov, Kyle Chipchura, Nicklas Grossmann, Anders Lindback, Steve Downie, Craig Cunningham
Notable Restricted Free Agents: Sergei Plotnikov, Tobias Rieder, Michael Stone, Connor Murphy, Jarred Tinordi, Kevin Connauton, Klas Dahlbeck, Louis Domingue, Niklas Treutle, Philip Samuelsson, Christian Thomas
Upwards of 10-12 players listed above could be re-signed. Most, if not all of the RFAs should earn a new contract.
With roughly $40 million dollars to spend, money won’t be an issue should Arizona decide to spend.
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Arizona Coyotes Free Agency Team Needs
Top-Six RW, Left-Handed Top-Four Defenseman, Goaltender Upgrade
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Arizona must find another netminder to throw in the mix with Mike Smith who can compete for time in the crease. Louis Domingue has potential, but needs more seasoning in the minors.
The Yotes may use an in-house option to fill that defensive hole, but they should at least explore an upgrade. A Keith Yandle reunion is always a possibility.
Arizona is rich in prospects, but the RW is a bit thin with Tobias Rieder, Nick Merkley, Christian Fischer, and Conor Garland. Who knows if any of those last three can be impact NHL players. Arizona could sign a familiar face in Radim Vrbata as a short-term option while prospects further develop.
Next: Anaheim Ducks Free Agency Preview
Potential Arizona Coyotes Free Agency Targets
Top-Six RW (if trades don’t address holes): Radim Vrbata, Teddy Purcell, Loui Eriksson, David Jones, Troy Brouwer, Kyle Okposo, P.A. Parenteau, Lee Stempniak
Top-Four LH D-Man: Keith Yandle, Dan Hamhuis, John-Michael Liles, Kris Russell, Jordie Benn
Goalie Options: Cam Ward, Karri Ramo, James Reimer, Chad Johnson, Jeff Zatkoff
*Salary/Free Agent information was obtained through www.generalfanager.com