Apr. 2, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes left wing Rob Klinkhammer (36) skates out after being named a star of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Jobing.com Arena. The Coyotes beat the Kings 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Rob is an energy guy who really brings it on the ice. He quickly got the attention of the fans by scoring goals when it seemed very hard for Phoenix to do so. He brings size, speed, and toughness.

This marks the first order of business of Don Maloney’s to do list. What priority order are they in is hard to know due to negotiations. The biggest question mark is Mike Smith who will set the table for what happens with LaBarbera and Chad Johnson. As soon as ownership is solved that will be job one.

If Smitty re-signs it will most likely spell the end of the Jason LaBarbera era. A well liked man but seldom used to really produce much if any results. If Smitty were to stick with his big asking price then I think Chad Johnson is signed and I still think Barbs is done here in Phoenix. Myself I believe in about 4-5 million for Smitty and not the 7 million he is asking for. I also believe in Burke’s coaching and Tippett’s system to have a nice 1-2 young duo in Johnson and Visentin. Many may not like the lack of experience but with new ownership it marks the start of something new. You want Luongo in for 1 year? Fine but I have confidence in our system so much I could play in net. Since I cannot skate backwards I have little choice.

Congrats to Rob and we hope to see the Hammer in action for the next decade.

Please get Korpi and Boedker signed as they are very young and skilled skaters that belong here. Just think if we still had Kyle Turris. Wow talk about youth, watch out Edmonton.

Mar 5, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings fans hold a sign for mayor Kevin Johnson (not pictured) to build the crown downtown arena and keep the Kings during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Why does this affect the Phoenix Coyotes? Well Seattle has made a huge push to build an arena and host both a NBA and NHL team. If they landed the Sonics again they would put a lot of pressure and money toward acquiring a NHL team. With the Coyotes being target number one.

Thanks to former Suns guard and now Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson for all his hard work in keeping the team in Sacramento where it belongs. It has always had a great home court advantage.

Seattle should of never left for OKC but hey that happens for a reason sometimes. With Seattle and Quebec city starving for a NHL franchise the best thing would be a 2 team expansion. Same for the NBA. I grow tired of having just 1 NBA team in Canada. Makes sense to have 3-4 at the least. Maybe even one in Mexico. The NHL is nicely spread out as it is. It would be cool and weird to have the NHL in Seattle. Not that far from the Canucks as it is.

Phoenix is still in the process of securing an owner. Those prospects have looked very promising as of late. Several are putting bids together and consulting / hiring firms to handle this. Plus I am playing Powerball Saturday so I may have a bid myself. Fingers crossed.

As far as the success for the Coyotes, I think once ownership is done we will see a tremendous upswing in the momentum. Things could run like this:  Ownership, re-sign Tippett and Maloney, sign name free agent scorers, sell out the suites, gain new sponsorship, and ride that momentum.

I wouldn’t even mind 1 game a month on a weekday at US Airways. That is usually the tough game to fill the midweek game against a so so team. As a season holder I wouldn’t mind the drive once a month.