Mar 5, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) warms up in a retro uniform prior to facing the Vancouver Canucks at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Coyotes All-Time Team Would Be A Stanley Cup Contender In Today’s National Hockey League.
What would happen if we picked apart the Arizona Coyotes franchise and placed the best of the best on one team? I looked at all 311 Coyotes players that have stepped on the ice in Arizona from 1996 to 2015, and put together the most ideal roster. The roster consists of 23 players to complete a modern-day NHL team.
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These players were evaluated by their production in a single given Arizona Coyotes’ season. A player who spent multiple years with the team would be selected to the roster based on their best season in a Coyotes uniform. For example, a 2003 Shane Doan may make the roster while a 2014 Shane Doan would miss the cut.
There are four lines of forwards, three lines of defensemen, two goaltenders, and three players scratched. All the lines incorporate different players from different time periods. With that being said, you may see a player who excelled in 1997 be placed on a line with someone who played the best in 2011.
Let’s see what the Arizona Coyotes All-Time Roster would look like.
Jan 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes players look on during the national anthem against the San Jose Sharks at Gila River Arena. The Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Next: First Line Forwards
First Line Forwards:
Mar 7, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) shoots the puck during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
LW- Keith Tkachuk (1996-1997)
C- Jeremy Roenick (1999-2000)
RW- Shane Doan (2007-2008)
The first line for the Arizona Coyotes All-Time Roster is deadly. In their respected seasons listed above, these three players have a combined 242 points in 235 games played. All three players were selected in the first round of their NHL Drafts as well. Keith Tkachuk went 19th overall in 1990, Jeremy Roenick went 8th overall in 1988, and Shane Doan went 7th overall in 1995. All three players happened to be on the Coyotes at the same time from 1996 to 2001, as well.
Puck Prose
Keith Tkachuk was the inaugural captain of the Arizona Coyotes franchise after they moved from Winnipeg in 1996. His career high in goals that season (52) would eventually send the team into the playoffs. Tkachuk would be named to the NHL All-Star team in 1996, as well.
Jeremy Roenick came to the Coyotes via trade in 1996. Because Teppo Numminen was wearing #27 at the time, ‘JR’ would switch to #97, becoming the first player in league history to wear that number. His best season would come three years into his time in Arizona. Just like Tkachuk in ’96, Roenick would lead the Coyotes in scoring (78 points), and gain an NHL All-Star nomination.
Shane Doan is one of the most loyal figures in professional sports as he has been with the Arizona Coyotes franchise his entire career. Based on that alone, Doan earns the captain ‘C’ for the Arizona Coyotes All-Time Team. With many productive seasons under his belt, Captain Coyote shined in 2007. Doan put up 78 points in 80 games that year, which would include 28 goals and 50 assists. Unlike his fellow linemates, Doan would not get a bid to play in the NHL All-Star game that season (he would go the following year in 2009).
Next: Second Line Forwards
Second Line Forwards:
Sep 25, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Phoenix Coyotes right wing Radim Vrbata (17) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Phoenix Coyotes won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
LW- Ray Whitney (2011-2012)
C- Daymond Langkow (2001-2002)
RW- Radim Vrbata (2011-2012)
The chemistry of this second line would produce amazing numbers for the Arizona Coyotes in the modern-day NHL. This line consists of a playmaker (Whitney), two-way forward (Langkow), and a sniper (Vrbata). Ray Whitney and Radim Vrbata also played together on the same line during the magical 2011 season.
Ray Whitney had one of the best seasons of his career in 2011 with the Coyotes. He scored 24 goals and 53 assists for a total of 77 points with the Desert Dogs. “The Wizard” as most would call him, had a high hockey IQ. He knew exactly where his teammates were on the ice and had the ability to make those impossible passes.
On March 31, 2012, Whitney scored his 1,000th career NHL point. He became the 79th NHL player to accomplish that feat.
Daymond Langkow was on the team during the 2012 playoff run but at the age of 35, he did not contribute as much as he once did in 2001. Langkow fit right in during his inaugural season with the Coyotes. He would score a hat-trick on opening night with his new team. Daymond Langkow would finish that season leading the team in points with 62.
The final piece to this second line puzzle would be a 2011-2012 Radim Vrbata at right wing. Vrbata was a quiet goal scorer for the Coyotes that year, finishing with 35 (11th in the league). On top of that, he lead the league with 12 game-winning goals that season. Radim Vrbata finished the 2011-2012 season with 62 points and was a prominent member in their playoff run.
Next: Third Line Forwards
Third Line Forwards:
Dec 27, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Daniel Briere (48) during the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
LW- Ladislav Nagy (2002-2003)
C- Daniel Briere (2001-2002)
RW- Mike Johnson (2002-2003)
The third line for the Arizona Coyotes Franchise team would excel best on the power-play. Nagy, Briere, and Johnson put up tremendous numbers on the man advantage in the early 2000’s. The “Kachina-Coyote” third line would be beneficial going in to this season as well.
Ladislav Nagy was involved in a multi-man trade that sent Keith Tkachuk out of the desert in 2001. The best season of his career came in the 2002-2003 season with the Coyotes where he tallied 57 points that season. Nagy was known for being skilled with the puck and made up for his size with his style of play.
Ulf Andersson of Elites Prospects describes him as:
"A pure offensive winger with terrific anticipation and puck skills. Excels on the powerplay. Has some aggression in him and can take some bad penalties. However, he’s not a big guy and can’t out-muscle a lot of d-men."
Daniel Briere would center this throwback third line. Briere was drafted 24th overall by the Coyotes franchise back in 1996 but did not hit his stride until a few years later. In 2001, he contributed 32 goals and 28 assists for 60 points. Briere lacked the recommended size at 5’9″ but made up for it in his speed and agility.
Mike Johnson provides size to this tiny third line full of scorers. While his career was inconsistent at times, Johnson was on his game during the 2002-2003 NHL season with the Coyotes. He provided physicality to the 2002 squad along with his 63 points.
Next: Fourth Line Forwards
Fourth Line Forwards:
Mar 17, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Phoenix Coyotes left wing Mikkel Boedker (89) celebrates scoring a goal on Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) during first period action at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
LW- Mikkel Boedker (2013-2014)
C- Mike Comrie (2005-2006)
RW- Rick Tocchet (1998-1999)
The fourth line of the Arizona Coyotes All-Time Team consists of players from different eras of the franchise. You have Tocchet in the late 90’s, Comrie in the mid-2000’s, and a modern-day Boedker.
Mikkel Boedker may move up a line in the years to come. He has a lot of potential with his speed and puck handling abilities. Boedker recorded his first career hat-trick last season and there should be many more to come. If it wasn’t for injury, Boedker’s numbers could have improved going in to last season. However, his 2013-2014 season can not be ignored. He scored 19 goals and 32 assists for a total of 51 points. His skill-set will benefit the Arizona Coyotes moving forward.
Mike Comrie had one of his best career seasons with the Coyotes in 2005. It’s difficult to give a strong performance on the ice after a lockout season, but Comrie did just that. Through 80 games, he had an even 30 goals and 30 assists for 60 points. While his size was not ideal, Comrie made up for it with his strong offensive awareness and a willingness to fight.
Rick Tocchet had a long and prosperous career in the National Hockey league that lasted 18 years. The most attractive feature of this player would be his hockey IQ. Tocchet knew where his teammates were at all times. He was not afraid to get physical either and settle things with his fists. He leads the entire NHL in Gordie Howe hat-tricks (a goal, an assist, and a fight) with 18. During the 1998-1999 season, Rick Tocchet scored 26 goals and 30 assists with the Coyotes.
Next: Defensive Pairings
Defensive Pairings:
Nov 22, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle (3) reacts after a goal by forward Shane Doan (not pictured) against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Coyotes defeated the Sharks 4-3 on a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Pairing #1:
LD- Keith Yandle (2010-2011)
RD- Teppo Numminen (1997-1998)
The first defensive pairing features two players that knew how to control the blue line.
Keith Yandle was one of the top offensive defenseman in the 2010-2011 season which would in turn send him to the All-Star game. His 11 goals and 48 assists helped the Coyotes reach the playoffs in 2011 as well. Yandle has a great puck-handling ability and a rapid one-time shot that is able to reach the net from the point.
Teppo Numminen was one of the three captains of the Arizona Coyotes franchise and deserves the right-defender slot in our All-Franchise team. Numminen was a true leader on and off the ice. His number 27 is currently retired by the Arizona Coyotes team. In the 1997-1998 season, Numminen scored 11 goals and 40 assists. His +25 that year made him a strong asset on the ice.
Defensive Pairing #2:
LD- Oliver Ekman-Larsson (2014-2015)
RD- Ed Jovanovski (2007-2008)
This second line pairing combines raw scoring talent in OEL and the hard-hitting physicality of Jovanovski.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson had a very explosive year last season that sent him to the All-Star game in Columbus. OEL led the entire NHL in goals scored by a defenseman with 23. In 82 games, he tallied 23 goals and 20 assists for 43 points.
Ed Jovanovski provides this line with brute strength to compliment Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Hockey News describes Jovanovski as “one of the most natural blue-line talents in the NHL in terms of his skill set: size, physical aggression and strength.” 2007 proved to be his best year with 51 total points. He plays with a high level of risk as he balances his offensive and defensive abilities.
Defensive Pairing #3:
LD- Oleg Tverdovsky (1996-1997)
RD- Paul Mara (2005-2006)
These two players compliment each other on the offensive and defensive side of the puck.
Oleg Tverdovsky was an All-Star for the Coyotes back in 1996. In 82 games, he was responsible for 55 points for the inaugural Coyotes squad. He remained top five in the entire NHL in scoring by a defenseman throughout his first season with the Coyotes franchise. He was known as a player who would check his opponent at any chance he had.
Paul Mara gives this line size with his 6’4″ and 207 pound frame. Mara used his physicality to eliminate opposing players from the puck throughout his career. In 2005, he scored a total of 47 points (15 goals and 32 assists) for the Coyotes team.
Next: Goaltenders
Goaltenders:
Jan 22, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) before playing against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Starting Goaltender: Mike Smith (2011-2012)
Mike Smith was the new face in net for the Coyotes back in 2011. Many were skeptical about his signing that summer (myself included), as he was not starting goaltender material. He was signed to a two year, $2 million dollar contract as Bryzgalov departed for Philadelphia.
Smith began to prove his worth as the season progressed. He would eventually lead the Coyotes to a playoff berth, and a Pacific Division championship. Most notably in February of 2012, Mike Smith was 11-0-0 with a 1.42 GAA, and a .952 SV%. Smitty would eventually finish fourth in Vezina Trophy votes following that season too. He ended the 2011-2012 season with a 38-18-10 record, a 2.21 GAA, and a .930 SV%.
Backup Goaltender: Ilya Bryzgalov (2009-2010)
Ilya Bryzgalov was the starting goaltender for the Coyotes before Mike Smith came along. He was the number one net-minder from 2007-2011, with his best season coming in 2009. It can be argued that Bryzgalov hit the peak of his career in the 2009-2010 season with his 42-20-6 record for the Coyotes. Ilya Bryzgalov leads the Arizona Coyotes franchise in wins with 130.
Unfortunately, Bryzgalov’s phenomenal play did not continue into the playoffs. The Coyotes would lose in seven games in the Western Conference Quarterfinals to the Detroit Red Wings. Bryz posted a 3.44 goals against average during that series.
Next: Scratches
Scratches:
Nov 11, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Antoine Vermette (50) against the Dallas Stars at Gila River Arena. The Stars defeated the Coyotes 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Scratch #1: C- Antoine Vermette (2013-2014)
Scratch #2: D- Keith Ballard (2005-2006)
Scratch #3: RW- Mike Gartner (1996-1997)
While the scratches don’t necessarily have a starting role on the Arizona Coyotes All-Time Team, they will be able to provide vital relief for players that go down with injuries. To cover all of the bases, we have a center, a defenseman, and a right wing as substitutes. Scratch is the term for a player who has been scratched from his team’s lineup prior to the game due to injury or a coach’s decision.
Antoine Vermette would be the first substitute for the Arizona Coyotes All-Franchise team. His ability to win face-offs helps the Arizona Coyotes penalty kill every season and will continue to do so moving forward. 2013 was arguably Vermette’s best season as a Coyote. His 24 goals and 21 assists helped the Coyotes win games in the final minutes. He would finish in the top ten in faceoffs that year with a 56% faceoff win percentage.
Keith Ballard would provide relief to a strong defensive core in case of injuries. Ballard is a two-way defenseman that has the ability to rush the puck and score. In his rookie season with the Coyotes (2005-2006), he scored 8 goals and 31 assists for 39 points. He is known league-wide as a player with intensity and a competitive edge like no other.
Mike Gartner played his final two seasons with the Arizona Coyotes franchise after being a prominent member of the Washington Capitals organization. Gartner, a seasoned veteran during his time with Coyotes, managed to put up excellent numbers. In the 1996-1997 season, he lit the lamp for 32 goals and helped his teammates score with 31 assists.
Next: Complete Roster Break-Down
Complete Roster Breakdown:
LW- Keith Tkachuk C- Jeremy Roenick RW- Shane Doan
LW- Ray Whitney C- Daymond Langkow RW- Radim Vrbata
LW- Ladislav Nagy C- Daniel Briere RW- Mike Johnson
LW- Mikkel Boedker C- Mike Comrie RW- Rick Tocchet
LD- Keith Yandle RD- Teppo Numminen
LD- Oliver Ekman-Larsson RD- Ed Jovanovski
LD- Oleg Tverdovsky RD- Paul Mara
Starting Goaltender- Mike Smith
Backup Goaltender- Ilya Bryzgalov
Scratch #1- Antoine Vermette Scratch #2- Keith Ballard Scratch #3- Mike Gartner
Next: Arizona Coyotes: Ranking Pacific Division Goaltenders
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