Arizona Coyotes Make 11 More Training Camp Cuts

This morning GM Don Maloney announced that the Arizona Coyotes have trimmed down their training camp roster by 11 players.

The following players were sent to the Springfield Falcons of the AHL:

Craig Cunningham – LW
Tyler Gaudet – C
Marek Langhamer – G
Lucas Lessio – LW
Dakota Mermis – D
Brendan Shinnimin – C
Niklas Treutle – G

The following players were also assigned to their respective junior teams:

Christian Dvorak – C – London – OHL
Brendan Perlini – LW – Nigara – OHL

More From Howlin’ Hockey -> Arizona Coyotes Domi-Duclair Have Great Chemistry

More from Coyotes News

The Arizona Coyotes also released D-man Keith Aulie, and Right Wing Patrick Dwyer from their professional tryout agreements.

This brings the camp player count down to a workable 31, with three remaining pre-season games left to evaluate who else will need to go. Eight more players must be cut before the season begins on October 9th in Los Angeles.

The surprises (at least in my opinion) were definitely Dvorak and Perlini, whom I considered would still be around. Instead, players making progress and remaining are forwards Dylan Strome, Matthias Plachta, Henrik Samuelsson, Jordan Martinook, Jordan Szwarz. D-men still remaining are Derek Smith, Philip Samuelsson, and camp tryout invitee Corey Potter. With Max Domi and Anthony Duclair more than likely claiming two roster spots, there could be one-to-two more openings, depending on if any veterans get cut.

As far as Dylan Strome is concerned, he is surprising everyone by his play in camp. He is very cool, calm and collected for a 18 year young prospect. According to Head Coach Dave Tippett when asked at a news conference about the training camp cuts, he maintained that Strome remains still in camp on merit, and not to just take a look at what he can do. Tippett is impressed with his play in games, and that will keep him in the running for sure.

HERE’S MORE OF TIPPET’S NEWS CONFERENCE TODAY: CLICK HERE

Brendan Perlini was thought to be in camp longer, and Tippett told Arizona Coyotes’ Dave Vest:

"”Rookie camp was very good for him (but he) just wasn’t able to translate to an NHL level yet,” Head Coach Dave Tippett said. “He’s a young player that still has lots of work to do and that’s going to happen. There’s a process you have to go through and he made huge strides this year. He’ll go back and continue to push his game forward in junior.”"

GM Don Maloney also assessed the moves to Dave Vest as well:

“Brendan Perlini and Christian Dvorak had very strong camps but, similar to Max Domi a year ago, we felt they will benefit from another year of junior hockey,” General Manager Don Maloney said. “With Max, Anthony Duclair, Dylan Strome, Henrik Samuelsson, newcomer Matthias Plachta and the strong play of Jordan Martinook all competing for the opening day roster, plus the need to get out established NHL players ready for the regular season, Dave Tippett and I feel this is the prudent, long-term decision.”

So, Maloney and Tippett are hoping that with another year’s experience in junior hockey both Perlini and Dvorak will mature and be more NHL ready next season. They both have the chance to play for their countries at the World Junior Championships as well.

So, it’s off to Vancouver to play the Canucks on Monday night, and then the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night in Edmonton. The only home pre-season game will be on October 2nd at Gila River arena.

By then we should know who made the team, and who didn’t. Don’t be surprised to see either Chipchura or Scott be on the bubble, if they want to bring more than Domi and Duclair onto the opening night roster.

Next: Arizona Coyotes 2015 Opponents: Detroit Red Wings

More from Howlin' Hockey

Home/Coyotes News