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Arizona Coyotes: Free Agent Options

By William Grigsby

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Who’s Out There To Help The Arizona Coyotes

When you take a look at the free agent list of players available this summer, I don’t see too many who can help he Arizona Coyotes’ fate next season. If I were GM Don Maloney I would make more trades to build this team, and not waste money on free agents. We have some good, young prospects to help also. Should be an interesting season… geez, it’s only May?

Who’s available:  

1.) Mike Green – Defenseman – Washington Capitals

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At 29, he can still be a valuable asset to a team needing a right-handed, puck moving D-man. And get in line —  because teams like Detroit (who gave him up for Robert Lang), Edmonton (they will have Connor McDavid, let’s not get greedy), San Jose ( everyone know they need help), Colorado (maybe his best fit) are all interested in employing Mr. Green.

Any interest in Arizona? Not sure, unless the Arizona Coyotes want to replace Z. Michalek’s experience on the blue-line to tutor the young defense they now have in the lineup. I think not, Green will more than likely go to either Detroit or Colorado.

2.) Drew Stafford – Left Wing – Winnipeg Jets

He was part of the blockbuster Evander Kane trade, coming to the Jets and playing really well. He accumulated 19 points in 26 games, which converted to an entire season, would amount to 27 goals and 57 points. At 6′ 2″, 214 lbs, his size is impressive. I feel the Arizona Coyotes can afford his $4M salary, and should pursue him.

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Looking back at the Blackhawks' trades involving Andrew Ladd /

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    • 3.) Carl Soderberg – Left Wing – Boston Bruins

    He’s 6′ 3″, 215 lbs and Swedish. He has averaged 46 points a season the last two seasons. He would be a good fit for the Arizona Coyotes, but will get some attention from other teams as well.

    4.) Antione Vermette – Center Chicago Blackhawks

    Was an effective player for the Arizona Coyotes, and Chicago may not be able to fit his salary into their cap numbers. Not sure if GM Don Maloney will want to include Vermette in his “youth” movement. He wins face-offs, and is familiar with the Arizona system, but he is soon to be 33. I’d take him, why not?

    5.) Mike Ribeiro – Center – Nashville Predators

    NOT WITH A TEN FOOT HOCKEY STICK WOULD I TOUCH THIS GUY. He seems to have resolved his “personal” issues and played well for Nashville, but there is so much  animosity towards him in Arizona that it just wouldn’t work. Besides, the Coyotes will still be paying his $1.94M salary until 2019…ouch.. that hurts!

    6.) Matt Beleskey – Left wing – Anaheim Ducks

    His $1.4M contract which is expiring, is more than reasonable for the 22 goals, 32 points in 65 games that he collected. He will want more money, but he fits into the Arizona Coyotes youth movement at only 26. Nice player, should be considered to play in the desert.

    7.) Paul Martin – Defenseman – Pittsburgh Penguins

    At 34, he wouldn’t fit into the Arizona Coyotes youth movement, unless they just need an experienced D-man to complement the young defense.

    8.) Christian Ehrhoff – Defenseman  – Pittsburgh Penguins

    At 32, the same goes for Ehrhoff, who I think will stay with the Penguins

    9.) Jeff Petry – Defenseman – Montreal Canadiens

    He’s 27, and has been showing improved play with Montreal. He’s a right-handed shot, and it seems lots of teams want a right hand shooting blue-liner to augment their defense, but at just over $3M a year he may be too rich for the Coyotes wishes.

    10.) Eric Fehr – Center – Washington Capitals

    At 29, he is still producing 19 goals, 14 assists, but has an ending contract worth $3M a year. A bit steep for those numbers. He may be better off staying with the Caps.

     

    Again, as I mentioned I don’t see any player who pops out at me who could turn this team around. I feel another blockbuster trade similar to the Yandle deal is brewing. GM Don Maloney needs a quick turnaround, and none of the above fits that bill. Come-on Don get that trade hat out and put it to work!

    Next: Arizona Coyotes: 2014-2015 Season Player Reviews-Forwards

    Next: Arizona Coyotes: 2014-2015 Season Player Reviews-D-Men/Goalies

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