Coyotes close to re-signing Don Maloney; Next step: Sign Dave Tippett
By Troy Baker
According to multiple sources the Phoenix Coyotes are finalizing a deal to secure the services of General Manager Don Maloney.
Dec 15, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes left wing Ray Whitney (13) receives a commemorative poster from general manager Don Maloney for 600 career assists prior to the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
This is GREAT news and marks the first positive shoe to drop in the Coyotes most important off season ever.
The NHL and multiple owners are under negotiations to purchase the embattled franchise in the desert. This is the order of events to come:
Signing Maloney, CHECK. Sign Dave Tippett to the longest term possible. Negotiate with Mike Smith for an average contract and no more.
Get a new owner and secure the lease for decades to come. The NHL have talked to several owners and the commitment to spending money to improve the team inside and out is the consensus.
The problem has always been a lack of offense and I have been begging for someone to get to the front of the net. Also we need a true enforcer that will produce every night and protect the needs of the home town team. I am a Biznasty fan, but it seems more on twitter than on the ice, that just won’t work. Chupacabra aka Kyle Chipchura is the best option we have right now. He scores, hits, and drops the gloves. He may be the option going forward unless we find someone on the free agent market. I think money spent should be on offense. Do NOT mortgage our future all in net.
One thing’s for sure signing Maloney is a huge step and he is arguably top 5 if not the best GM in the NHL today. He has made magic with what little he had to spend in the past. True money puck situation. Together with Tippett they are the best duo in the business. Let’s hope this is completed ASAP and Tippett soon after since he has returned from Worlds.
Then we can all HOWL!