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Arizona Coyotes: Free Agents To Consider

By William Grigsby |

With Free Agency Approaching, Arizona Coyotes Need To Consider These Free Agents

  • Carl Soderberg – Boston Bruins – at 6′ 3″- 213, he is a big center who could fit right into the slot left by Martin Erat, and produce much better numbers than him. Per Andrew Thompson who writes for FanSided’s causewaycrowd.com Bruins site:
“Last season, contract was worth just one million dollars. He’s certainly due for a raise, and there is no way the Bruins can support that kind of bump in salary without trying to move one of their long-term, no-trade players. As, the B’s are loathe to attempt something like that, they’ve got no choice but to let him enter free agency.”

Bruins GM Don Sweeney:

“We’re trying to plan for every circumstance that may exist,” Sweeney said on a conference call Friday with reporters. “Carl was a very important part of our team this year. In a perfect world, we would be able to retain Carl. It’s highly unlikely at this point in time that that will be happening relative to our overall situation.”

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His stats state that he could help the Arizona Coyotes. He had 13g-31a last season, with five PPG, and three game winning goals. He also was a fairly decent face-off guy with 48.17%. He will be due a raise, and even if GM Don Maloney offers him twice his previous salary, they will be getting more production and size from him compared to Erat’s ridiculous $4.5 million contract. I’d do this signing faster than a Shea Weber slap shot.

Of course it’s been rumored that other teams would also like to employ Mr. Soderberg. The Washington Capitials, and New York Rangers have shown some interest as well. What is in GM Don Maloney’s corner is he has the salary cap space to make him a competitive offer.

November 7, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Connor Murphy (5) moves the puck ahead of Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey (39) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

  • Matt Beleskey – Anaheim Ducks – He’s just 26 years old, his previous contract was two years for $2.7 million ($1.35M cap hit). He netted 22g-10a last season and will be sought by numerous teams. Beleskey definitely doesn’t shy away from a physical game, likes to play around the paint and is actually a very good player in possession. He scored eight game winning goals, and had  four power play goals as well. His 15.2 shooting percentage is what the Arizona Coyotes need. I could see him performing well on a line with Sam Gagner. Salary will need to be increased, and again the Coyotes should be in the hunt for some players who can make a difference. This guy can.

April 16, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) controls the puck against the defense of Winnipeg Jets right wing Michael Frolik (67) during the first period in game one of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

  • Michael Frolik – Winnipeg Jets 26 years old, his prior contract: one year, $3.3 million ($3.3M cap hit). With 19g-23a, three PPG, four GWG, he can really help the weak offense of the Arizona Coyotes. Frolik has quietly developed into a very good two-way forward and is one of the more underrated players in the league. His versatility (can play center or wing) will surely make him very attractive to any team. He skates well, can play in any situation and at 26 he still has plenty of good years ahead of him. Frolik owns a respectable 1.63 points/60 at full-strength, and the Jets generate 51% of all shot attempts when he’s on the ice, so he tilts the ice a little bit in favor of his team. Again, the type of forward the Coyotes could really build around.

These are a few examples of what the Arizona Coyotes could do to improve their team. I’m sure GM Don Maloney is working hard on the upcoming NHL Entry Draft in just six days, but we all know he also has the wheels turning on free agency, and trade possibilities. It will take nothing but a dedicated effort to turn this teams’ fortunes around.

Many are predicting much of the same for next season for this team — perhaps another lottery team. I don’t see that. With all the challenges on where the team may end up playing, and the third overall pick in their back pocket, there has got to be some improvement. Personally, I’m excited about all the young prospects who will be fighting for a roster spot. Between Max Domi, Christian Dvorak, Anthony Duclair, it’s difficult to not get excited. Hold on to your spurs Coyotes’ fans, this might be a good ride.

Next: Arizona Coyotes: Chicago Blackhawk To Acquire

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