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.

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

His back up Jason LaBarbera is also available to test the market. If you can get him cheap I would consider it, but I think it has more to do with if Smitty re-signs. If Smitty stays I see Chad Johnson as the every day back up and maybe eventual starter. I really think the days of both Smitty and Barbs are over.

The pair that will be our first priority this off season will be Mikkel Boedker and Lauri Korpikoski. They are both restricted free agents so a deal should be done with both and should be considered before messing with any goalies.  Michael Stone is young enough to most likely come back and not be a big concern as he is restricted and will return next season.

Onto the question marks. The unrestricted free agents that are not superstars but very vital to the team. Face off guru Boyd Gordon will be there for the taking but should not receive a ton of offers to steal him from the Coyotes. One fan favorite is Rob Klinkhammer who shows a ton of potential. I hope we re-sign him and get him on the 3rd or 4th line permanently. I love this kid and the fact he plays with reckless abandoned.

The gritty Kyle Chipchura may be a piece worth keeping as he has provided everything Biznasty has and then some. I like his overall game and with the loss of Raffi Torres it is much needed toughness we lack at times. Tired of seeing Ollie get beat up with little protection. The Captain Shane Doan cannot do it all. We need an enforcer.

A few minor leaguers round out the free agent dilemma including Andy Miele and David Rundblad. Let’s not forget the Johnsons, Nick and Chad. Let’s hope we get our boys under contract and can afford to bring in some talented help.