The Arizona Coyotes have been attempting to rebuild for some time. 2016-17 will be the biggest step yet.
Arizona Coyotes fans are, unfortunately, somewhat forced into college football mode and have been for some time.
It’s inevitable that a preseason BCS hopeful falls from grace early in the season and the talk quickly shifts to “next season”.
Yotes faithful have been in “next season” mode for a couple of years now, and it’s likely that 2016-17 will not be much different. That’s the price you pay for betting heavily on youth.
It’s a worthy bet. No, not just worthy, it’s a necessary step in order to reach the point where “next season” becomes “this season”.
General Manager John Chayka and Head Coach Dave Tippett have recognized this and made transactions accordingly this offseason.
They’ve acquired a couple of blue chip prospects in exchange for unused cap space. Alex Goligoski and Jamie McGinn joined the club to bolster the here and now.
After all, with a bit of injury luck and some inspired performances out of the youth, this team could be sniffing the playoffs come February or March.
They just won’t be contending for the Stanley Cup. Not yet, anyway.
Goligoski and McGinn will help ease the transition for all of those special players we’ve been waiting for, however, and that’s priority number one.
Arizona is building from the ground up. They are building the right way, no shortcuts.
Growing pains now turn into experience and pedigree later.
Arizona Coyotes News and Links
Arizona Coyotes 21 Under 21 – # 5 – Jakob Chychrun — Five For Howling
It wouldn’t surprise many that the Arizona Coyotes drafted Jakob Chychrun, but they got him in an interesting way.
Arizona Coyotes 21 under 21 – #6 – Nick Merkley — Five For Howling
He’ll need to bounce back from a debilitating injury, but Nick Merkley’s potential is incredible.
‘Yotes Notes: Dave Bolland faces long road back to NHL — Arizona Sports
When the Coyotes acquired Dave Bolland from Florida last week, along with Panthers top prospect Lawson Crouse, Arizona general manager John Chayka acknowledged the possibility that Bolland could pronounce himself fit to play at some point during the remaining three years of his contract, thereby presenting the Coyotes with a decision.
Other Local Sports
Super Bowl LI pick: New England Patriots vs. Arizona Cardinals — NFL.com
Arizona is the best team in football. Steve Keim, the Cardinals’ outstanding general manager, has built the NFL’s No. 1 roster, 1 through 53. Arizona has depth and oozes talent.
The NFL preseason has mercifully ended — Arizona Sports
Our long national nightmare is over. The NFL preseason has ended. I think I speak for many fans and players in celebrating this fact.
Next: Chayka's Cap Wizardry Important To Coyotes' Future
Sources: Dodgers expressed interest in bringing back Zack Greinke — Fox Sports
Zack Greinke back with the Dodgers?