Arizona Coyotes: Readying For War On Ice

By Thomas Malone |

The Arizona Coyotes New Guard ready to prove themselves

Sep 22, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Max Domi (16) looks on during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Coyotes, have taken their first major step in their rebuilding project. While GM Don Maloney did not sign any of the big offensive names that were available, he made the smartest moves possible. I’m quite aware Michalek, Grossmann, and Vermette do not have the star power of other names that were on the market. But, by adding grizzled defensive minded veterans like the Coyotes have done, it builds a foundation that will lead to long-term winning.

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It is well-known, that the Arizona Coyotes seem to have one of the best pools of prospects in the NHL. It is also well-known, that they plan on adding some of that youth to the roster this fall, the only question is who, and how many. After all, not every prospect can be a Kane, Toews, or Crosby entering the NHL at the age of 18, those types of players are rare.

Forwards typically develop the fastest, with the league average being around a year or two before they are ready. But, they often run into a problem when they are brought up; their play often lacks in the defensive zone. The recent signings and trades have not only given the Arizona Coyotes more defensive ability, they give the prospects needed veteran players who can teach them.

Prospects such as Max Domi, Brendan Perlini, and Dylan Strome will need all the help they can get. They are about to enter a totally different league, no longer filled with teenagers. Soon, they will encounter players who have been hitting, fighting, scoring, and skating while they were in elementary school.

Defensive-minded veterans such as Boyd Gordon and Antoine Vermette, will help the Young Guns coming up immensely. Much like Marines in a foxhole, each member must have each other’s back to succeed.

Domi and Strome, will need players like Vermette and Gordon, to teach them how to face the best face-off men in the league. The defensive-forwards will also teach the rookie forwards how to play a complete game.

Dahlbeck, will benefit immensely from having a stay at home defender like Grossmann show him the ropes. Dahlbeck was oozing with potential last year, and Grossmann will lead by example. Showing him how to break up offensive plays, and defend against the best players in the league.

Meanwhile, Michalek will be taking the young Michael Stone under his wing. Z is known throughout the league as a shot-blocking machine, willing to sacrifice his body again and again. Stone, surprised the league last year, blocking a staggering 189 shots, the 5th most in the league.

Feb 10, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek (4) checks St. Louis Blues right wing T.J. Oshie (74) during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Chipchura will most likely shoulder the responsibility of teaching a prospect as well. Matthias Plachta, like Chipchura, is a big bodied forward who plays a physical game. Playing such a style in the NHL (if he gets promoted from training camp) will be intimidating. However, Chipchura will help him through it. Teaching the young Plachta, how to face the toughest players in the world, and not blink.

Tough guys like Chipchura and the newly signed Downie will also be tasked with protecting the rookies. Teaching anyone wishing to “welcome” our new players into the NHL a valuable lesson. While Captain Shane Doan, does what he always does, bring the best out of all his players.

I don’t envy the Arizona Coyotes, new rookie class, many players around the league will look to shake them up. But, as long as our rookies play their game, and brush the snow off their jerseys, they will have a long career ahead of them.

Next: Arizona Coyotes: Z and Vermette Return

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