Howlin' Hockey » Dave Tippett

Coyotes re-sign fan favorite Rob KlinkHAMMER

Troy Baker — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:43:41 +0000

Klinkhammer signed to a 2 year deal as the off season has officially begun for the Phoenix Coyotes.

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.

Dave Tippett leaving the Phoenix Coyotes?

Troy Baker — Sat, 11 May 2013 03:49:01 +0000

I sure hope not. That would be a huge loss for the Coyotes who have one of the best if not the best General manager / Coach tandems in Don Maloney and Tippett. Many of the things done in Phoenix are unexplainable to teams across North America. To make it to the Western Conference Finals without even a dominant scorer is mind boggling. What would we do with a few stars? We have a lot of young talent and change is not needed in that direction. We all hoped for an owner and sellouts every game. Steps backward are not what the doctor ordered.

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

So where will coach Tippett end up? Phoenix, Colorado, or elsewhere?

The Colorado Avalanche has expressed interest in retaining Dave’s services and they won’t be the only one. Tippett has taken a franchise from basement dwellers, bankruptcy, and possible relocation to being relevant, competitive, and possibly staying in Glendale long term.

Tippett, whose contract expires June 30, is in Europe, serving as an assistant coach for Canada at the World Championship. Phoenix needs to secure an owner and the first piece of business is to sign Tippett and Maloney to long term deals. Depending on the owner there should be many options for the 51 yr old Tippett. There will most likely be 4-5 teams who will toss their hat into the ring for Tippett. He is very defense oriented and methodical coach. He hasn’t had too much talent in Phoenix to work with. Again ownership solves a lot of that. Then Free Agents can be acquired.

Phoenix Coyotes Coach Tippett is truly a major reason why this franchise has had the success in the last few years and maybe even stayed in Arizona. Here is a story I wrote about him when I first started with www.howlinhockey.com

Dave Tippett, Head Coach, Phoenix Coyotes. Unsung Hero?

http://howlinhockey.com/2012/10/22/dave-tippett-head-coach-phoenix-coyotes-unsung-hero/