GM Don Maloney’s Vision For The Arizona Coyotes

By William Grigsby | Apr 13, 2015

GM Don Maloney Expresses The Arizona Coyotes’ Direction

Today General Manager Don Maloney held a press conference to explain the direction the team will be taking going forward, after a disappointing season where the team failed to make the playoffs for the third consecutive year. He expressed his disappointment in the team’s ability to make it to the post-season, and tried to ask everyone to be patient for next season.

He feels that the team has improved its’ chances and that there are good days ahead. The young prospects who will be given a chance to make the team helps their speed, and yet they also need an experienced defenseman to add to that equation.

He mentioned several times that the team has “flexibility” financially to fill in the holes, and perhaps make some trades to supplement needs they have. He will be receiving his budget soon, and will know more what he has to spend on players.

More from Coyotes News

He stated that they need help offensively, and defensively — which is totally obvious when you see where they finished. They were 29th in offense, and 28th in defense, so as he said they have lots of work to do.

He also, when asked about Shane Doan’s status, wants Doan on the team for as long as he feels that he can contribute. His minutes may decrease, but Maloney feels he can still compete and lead this team. When Maloney returns from Europe and international play has ended, he will sit down with Doan, and see where’s he at as far as whether he want to go along for the ride of a rebuild, or seek other avenues.

The NHL Draft was brought up, and Maloney thinks the team was rewarded for being bad (his words), and feels they have options with the picks they possess. He categorized McDavid and Eichel as being the two prospects who could break into the NHL next season, but after that he feels other players will need some additional development to get to the NHL.

If Buffalo does not get the #1 pick, they are guaranteed the #2 pick, and likely will select Eichel. If Buffalo scores the #1 pick, the Arizona Coyotes are guaranteed the #2 pick. If some other team gets #1, and Buffalo then receives #2, the Coyotes will drop to #3.

Maloney even mentioned they could trade down, depending on the situation. Mitch Marner is a dynamic winger who would fill the needs of the team, but Maloney doesn’t like to press young players into the rigors of the NHL unless he feels they are totally ready. It’s my opinion, and many others, that McDavid and Eichel will make the NHL next season. There aren’t two players of their skill level who have a better shot at making it than them.

It’s just sad when you know your team will not be playing in the NHL playoffs, especially when it happens three years consecutively. I have great expectations that this team will bounce back next season. With talents like Max Domi, and Anthony Duclair in the lineup they will be better offensively. Then, add in a McDavid (it could happen) or an Eichel, and this team could turn around swiftly, much like Calgary did this season.

I’m anticipating the Draft Lottery this Saturday to see what player will be the future of this team. They NEED a star, someone who brings the fans out to the arena. Someone who will lift this team’s attendance from 28th in the league. It could happen, and if it does fans will come out to see their Arizona Coyotes play, and play much better.

Next: Arizona Coyotes With Connor McDavid In The Lineup

More from Howlin' Hockey

Home/Coyotes News