In a season of dismay, and frustration the Arizona Coyotes look to be one of a few teams on the sellers list come NHL Trade Deadline Day. With 43 points it looks as though the Coyotes are well out of the playoff race, and now the time comes to sell off assets. It is time to gain young prospects that will help this team grow in the right direction. So who is available, and where will they most likely land?
Shane Doan – The 40-year-old forward is having a difficult season. Just 18 points in 53 games played has left his career in question. There has been a great deal of talk that he would waive his no movement clause to be moved to a contender. Thus, giving him one final year to win a Stanley Cup. The main question is, would a contending team want Shane Doan at this stage of his career?
DESTINATION – ?
Martin Hanzal – Center Martin Hanzal is all but gone come trade deadline day. With 21 points on the season this big bodied center will be highly sought after. He is a strong two-way center that would help teams looking to strengthen their depth down the middle. Hanzal currently earns 3.1 million on a contract that runs out at the end of the season. General Manager John Chayka has said there has not been much talk between the two sides on a contract extension. He will likely waive his no trade clause sending him to a team looking to make a long run. The Coyotes asking price is likely a first round pick.
DESTINATION – Columbus/Edmonton/Montreal
Radim Vrbata – The journeyman veteran Vrbata will draw some attention as a rental player come trade deadline day. His 36 points leads the struggling Coyotes team, and with his contract expiring at the end of the year, the Coyotes will be looking to gain an asset rather than losing him outright. He would bring some secondary scoring to a potential trade destination. Talk is that he would prefer staying in Arizona with a new contract extension.
DESTINATION – Chicago/Boston
Michael Stone – Defenseman Michael Stone is another lock to be traded on deadline day. The pending UFA currently makes 4.0 million per season. Many teams will be looking to acquire a right-handed defenseman to solidify the depth on their blue line.
DESTINATION – Ottawa/NY Rangers
Mike Smith – There has not been much talk of starting goaltender Mike Smith being moved, but I find this as a very feasible scenario. The All-Star goaltender is having a solid year and the return the Coyotes may receive for him, may just be too tempting to let go. Smith currently makes 5.67 million dollars and has two years remaining on that contract. The one sticky point with this is the prime landing spot is Dallas. The Stars may have just played themselves out of the playoff race and may also be a seller, thus limiting the chances of this move happening.
DESTINATION – Dallas
The troubles in the desert just seem to keep happening year after year. Poor attendance, city problems, arena issues, arena issues, arena issues —– did I say that enough, honestly they have had arena issues multiple times…The status of this teams future is not in jeopardy on the ice, but as a franchise in Arizona….
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.