Bold Predictions: Coyotes 2014-2015 Season
By Joe Duquette
Oct 3, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Sam Gagner (9) carries the puck as San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Irwin (52) defends during the first period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Gagner will lead the team in points
28 goals, 46 assists- That’s right folks.
We’re calling it now, and before you start in with the “but… but… he’s never even scored 20 goals in a season” keep in mind he was a 6th overall pick back in 2007 for a reason. Oh, and fun fact the only player with more NHL points from his draft class is Patrick Kane.
Gagner’s only real problem in Edmonton, was that he was overshadowed by all of the young talent they’ve acquired the last few years. In Arizona he will have a increased role under coach Dave Tippett, who said “The slate is clean, he has the ability to come in and paint a new picture.” We tend to think that slate is going to be loaded up with points by year’s end.
Jan 28, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) celebrates with defensemen Keith Yandle (3) after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (not pictured) in the second period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Both Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson will make the NHL All-Star Game
“A seasoned vet and budding superstar journey to claim what is rightfully theirs” …. sounds like a movie right?
However, this is an entirely likely scenario as Arizona possesses two of the leagues best on the back end. Sure some have questioned Yandle’s play the last two seasons, but he did LEAD the team in points last year. If he can just get a little more consistent in his defensive game, while maintaining his scorers touch, expect to see number 3 in the all-star game this year.
Ekman-Larsson on the other hand is poised to cement himself among the league elite this season. This kid is only going to get better, and pretty soon the entire hockey world will be aware of what Coyotes fans have known for awhile when OEL is tearing up the all-star game.
Apr. 6, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) blocks the puck in the first period while playing in the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
The Coyotes will trade for a No. 1 goalie by the March trade deadline
Following an injury and two lackluster seasons we just aren’t that confident Mike Smith will return to his 2012 breakout year self. With a big contract on the books expect to see Smith on the trading blocks if things start to go south in Arizona this year.
Just spit balling here, but some goalies the Coyotes might look to go after:
What are some of your BOLD predictions for this year? Comment below!