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Arizona Coyotes: Predicting 2016-17 Lineup (Defensemen)

By Andrew Walters

Feb 15, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) shoots and scores a goal in the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) shoots and scores a goal in the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Coyotes
Feb 15, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) shoots and scores a goal in the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

One preseason game remains for the Arizona Coyotes, and that means some important roster decisions will be coming soon. Who will round out the defense? What pairings will emerge?

The Arizona Coyotes finished the 2015-16 campaign with the third worst goals against average (2.95) and the fourth worst shots against per game (30.76) in the league. After a strategic summer of trading, signing, and drafting, things are looking much better.

Here are the changes:

In: Alex Goligoski, Luke Schenn, Jakob Chychrun, Anthony DeAngelo, Jamie McBain

Out: Nicklas Grossmann

The primary objective for John Chayka and Dave Tippett was to establish defensive depth.

Mission accomplished.

Even with recent roster cuts, the Coyotes still have 13 defensemen in camp. With only a week and a half until opening night, some decisions need to be made.

Who will stay and who will go?

Here are my predictions…

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