Coyotes giving up on 2013? Trade deadline and fans say: YES
By Troy Baker
Lights dimming in Glendale, AZ?
First of all I am a huge fan but in all fairness I must be frank. Secondly wishing Don Maloney and his family the best after losing his father. I just lost my mother to cancer a month ago and the pain is great.
Apr. 2, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes left wing Rob Klinkhammer (36) skates out after being named a star of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Jobing.com Arena. The Coyotes beat the Kings 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Breaking down the trades is simple and the grade is too. This is a D- for the Coyotes and it vexes me they seem to be giving up on this season. At least get something in return.
Raffi Torres traded to division rival San Jose for a 3rd round pick. Brendan McMillan (an 85th overall pick in 2008) received for Lombardi means we are giving up 2 veterans for average role players at best if they even make it out of the minors. Do we really need to talk about Steve Sullivan?
The day after the Coyotes honor Sully for his 1000th game and give the photo collage with all his teams us being the shortest but biggest picture, he is traded for a whopping 7th rounder. When did we become the Suns?
I am a big Don Maloney fan. I would take Tippett, Maloney, and Nealy over any other brass in the NHL. This feels like Don went to be with his family and someone lost their mind in his absence.
When you trade 3 top 2 liners for a bag of pucks it smells pretty bad. Not as bad as selling 1st round picks for cash Sarver. But if you are a fan holding onto post season hopes, forget that.
No way anyone can sell us on the fact infusing a few Portland prospects into a line up already missing Korpikoski, Michalek, Smitty, etc. a cohesive unit based on chemistry. Every time Dave Tippett works his magic you change the equation. I feel bad for Tippett as he is always asked to do the impossible. Make a winner out of a patchwork of talent with no real star and constant turbulence.
Many thought the Kings game would determine whether we were buyers or sellers. In the end we just stuck our product on the corner and asked for a small donation. Keith Yandle and Derrick Morris were much more attractive pieces who will become unrestricted free agents and they were not moved or re-signed. Go figure.
I usually say everybody Howl at this point. Right now I just want everyone to breathe and stop talking like this is the sign of the end for hockey in the valley of the sun. Keep hope alive.