Arizona Coyotes: Free Agency; Trade: Korpikoski For Gordon

By William Grigsby | Jul 1, 2015

Arizona Coyotes Look To Sign Free Agents/Trade Korpikoski For Gordon

Lots of activity in Coyote-land, so let’s get going. Today at 9am local time, the Arizona Coyotes can sign free agents to new contracts. According to previous reports, the team is still looking to strengthen their blue-line, and acquire a backup goalie, and a forward or two.

With all the signings already taking place, there are still some pretty significant names available on the free agency list. One I’d love to see is Mike Green of the Capitals. The fact that he would carry at least a $6M cap hit seems like it will not hurt the Coyotes pocketbook, as they have plenty of money to spend just to get to the cap required basement.

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Another option might be Christian Ehrhoff from the Penguins. His cap hit is only $4M, but he is turning 33 in five days, whereas Green is only 29.

An even better possibility for the blue line would be Cody Franson. For one thing, he is a right handed shot, and the Arizona Coyotes could use another, and he is just 27, carrying a $3.3M cap hit. He would be right up there on the top of my list.

As far as forwards go here are the available candidates:

Michael Frolik of the Jets is available, and just 27. He averages .46 points a game in his eight year NHL career. Since we’ll lose Erat, to regain our two Czech players on the team, Frolik would be an excellent choice.

Joel Ward of the Capitals is going to be 35 in December, but the guy has some good stats, and is a right handed shot. His 15.7 % shooting over the last several seasons, and his overall .43 points per game is something the team could use. With that shooting percentage, I’d be feeding him the biscuit more times than not.

Justin Williams of the L.A. Kings is also a seasoned veteran who will turn 34 near the season start, but has the heart of a champion. His playoff performances are well documented, and if the Yotes can get to the post season, he would be an excellent addition.

GM Don Maloney announced yesterday that the team has traded Lauri Korpikoski for Boyd Gordon. This will be the second stint for Gordon, who really didn’t want to leave when the team couldn’t match the $3M per year, two year contract that Edmonton offered him. Maloney’s praise for Gordon was obvious.

"“At that time, we just couldn’t get to that type of level in a contract but we certainly have followed his game in Edmonton and I think he’s the same player,” general manager Don Maloney said. “He’s competitive, defensive-minded, good on faceoffs — all those details of the game that (coach) Dave Tippett likes and appreciates.”"

This is a great trade for the Yotes. Gordon was 11th in faceoff wins at 55.9% last season. He is an excellent penalty killer and fore-checker. Korpi just wasn’t producing, and his time was up to show the team what he can do. Look at this way… he gets to play on the same team as Connor McDavid. Can’t be all bad.

Next: Arizona Coyotes: Round Two Choices-Trade With Flyers

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