Arizona Coyotes free agency continues signing Mike Ribeiro
By Troy Baker
Well after Maloney, Tippett, and Smitty re-signed we got ownership handled. Well almost with some paperwork to go nothing is official until the ink dries.
The Coyotes continued move making by signing Mike Ribeiro who is a huge signing and foreshadowing of the moves that can be made now with some stability. Coming from the Capitals but having played in Dallas for coach Dave Tippett. Players want to come to Arizona for Tippett, the weather, the success, and now that stability may be finally achieved more will come. Mike is definitely one of the best available as of 9am EST this morning when free agency began.
This helps big time with the power play and the shootout. The Coyotes ranked poorly in the power play for years now. This move most likely meant the end for Boyd Gordon. He was a face off wiz but Ribeiro brings so much more offensively it was a move that will greatly improve the team. The Coyotes also said goodbye to Jason LaBarbera. His departure meant the signing of Thomas Greiss to a one year deal from San Jose. I expected Visintin or Johnson to be called up but this was the route Maloney chose.
Apr 9, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Washington Capitals center Mike Ribeiro (9) during the warm-up session before the first period against Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Also re-signing are Lauri Korpikoski, Kyle Chipchurra, and Michael Stone. All great keepers for the team and their futures are bright. Korps will get a bigger and bigger role on offense. Think poor man’s Patrick Kane. Chipchurra did more and more for the club as well as picked up the slack in the enforcer department. Michael Stone is a young defender who continues to blossom under Tippett’s system.
Other players on the wish list for me personally are Brad Boyes and Viktor Stalberg. Keep improving the man advantage and gain more and more speed.
RE-SIGN Boedker. He is a very likeable and versatile player we need to keep.
Last thing is I had hoped we regain Danny Briere. Should of never let him go.