Arizona Coyotes: Trading Third Pick/Buying Out Gagner

Arizona Coyotes Considering Trading #3 Pick For Dougie Hamilton

Also: Contract Of Arizona Coyote Forward Sam Gagner May Be Bought Out

OK, Arizona Coyotes fans — the day of reckoning is upon us, and GM Don Maloney’s cell phone number is on speed dial for at a least a few teams coveting that third overall pick in today’s NHL Entry Draft. Rumors from Darren Dreger of TSN, the Boston Bruins may be ready to offer up 6′ 5″, 212 lb D-man Dougie Hamilton for the coveted third draft selection.

This is an intriguing situation. I think the Arizona Coyotes love to draft forwards (Domi, Perlini, Dvorak, Perlini), and added to their stockpile of talent with the addition of Anthony Duclair in the Yandle trade. But, maybe Head Coach Dave Tippett is pushing to get an established blue-liner who will help the team advance from their lowly defense of last season.

Gagner Gone?

According to a story by Mark Specter of Sportsnet.com, the Arizona Coyotes have been unsuccessfully trying to trade Sam Gagner, and want to unload his $5M contract because of his low production numbers. He came to the Coyotes for practically nothing last season from Edmonton via Tampa Bay, but he was looked at to help the meager offense of the team, and failed to accomplish that with his 15g-26a numbers.

According to the report: the Coyotes are on the hook for two-thirds of Gagner’s deal, with Tampa having retained one-third in a previous deal. With a salary of $5 million, Arizona would owe two-thirds of one-third of that ($1.11 million), split over two seasons. Their cap hit would be just over $500,000 per season. The Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in Gagner if the Arizona Coyote forward is bought out of his contract.

It certainly wouldn’t be the first time the Arizona Coyotes had to eat a contract. Mike Ribiero’s contract (who today rejected an offer to stay with Nashville, and will test free agent waters) will be on the team’s payroll until the ’19-’20 season. Still, if the team is looking to improve, and Gagner is not the answer, I see nothing wrong with dumping his salary, and putting it towards someone like Dougie Hamilton. He is a right-handed shot, and besides Connor Murphy, the team lacks a good right hand shot on the blue-line. They are not likely to keep free agent to be Andrew Campbell, who was the only other right handed shot D-man.

Whether or not Boston is adding a draft choice to this projected deal is not clear at this time, but if they wanted to throw in their 14th pick, I’m sure the Coyotes would listen. Two other teams, identified as Columbus, and Winnipeg are also fervently pursuing the Coyotes’ third overall pick. Don Maloney must feel like a superstar today, with all the offers flying at him in supersonic speed.

I also like the projected Winnipeg deal, which would give the Coyotes their two later round first round picks (19 & 25), and a player. Maybe Michael Frolik?? Don’t know yet.

TSN’s Frank Seravalli speculates that the Blue Jackets could offer Artem Anisimov, Kerby Rychel and the No. 8 pick.

I like the buyout of Gagner’s contract, ever so painful it may be. I also REALLY like the Hamilton deal. He would be an excellent BIG addition to our defense. Added to the current defensive core of OEL, Stone, Gormley, Murphy, Dahlbeck, Moore, the defense would be upgraded well, and you don’t need to wait for a prospect to develop.

The waiting will be over soon, and I will be at the Arizona Coyotes Draft Party/Fan Rally later this afternoon. Hope to see you all there… should be exciting, to say the least!

Next: Arizona Coyotes Roundtable: Third Overall Pick

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