Jan 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a save against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
There Are Many Questions Left To Be Answered By The Arizona Coyotes This Upcoming Season.
Let’s face it, the Arizona Coyotes did not have the season they wished for last year. With a record of 24-50-8, the Coyotes were at an all time low. They would ultimately finish 29th in the National Hockey League that year and receive the third overall pick in the draft. As frustrating as last year was, fans can rest easy knowing that a bright future is ahead.
Franchise rebuilds are difficult to endure. The Arizona Coyotes were once on top of the Pacific Division back in 2012, and have slowly dropped out of playoff contention each year. Things had to change, as this was unacceptable. Don Maloney and Dave Tippett have been busy at work to get the Coyotes back on top.
Patience is something that everyone needs to have with this process. This team is essentially hitting the restart button, and starting from scratch. The Coyotes began making moves and difficult decisions in order to be a Stanley Cup contender in the years to come.
The gap between the end of last season and the beginning of the upcoming one has been extremely long. The 2015 NHL Entry Draft and Free Agency Frenzy period gave fans something to look forward to in regards to the new year. With that being said, that effort means nothing unless performance improves on the ice.
Fans are left with numerous questions about the 2015-2016 season that will be answered as the weeks pass. Howlin’ Hockey gives their take on some of the burning topics that each Arizona Coyotes fan has been contemplating this summer. Fans will get the answers they’ve been searching for with the puck drop on October 9th against the Los Angeles Kings.
Next: Question One
Will Dylan Strome play in his first year?
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Dylan Strome puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number three overall pick to the Arizona Coyotes in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Everyone is excited for the third overall pick of the 2015 NHL Draft. Dylan Strome is the future of the Arizona Coyotes franchise, and shows promise down the road. But will he play this season? While some people want to see Strome on the ice for opening puck drop, it may be best to let him develop more.
Dylan Strome lit it up in the OHL last season. With a total of 68 games played, Strome led the league with 129 total points. Out of those 129 points, 45 were goals and 84 were assists. So again, will he play this season for the Arizona Coyotes? Probably not. As fun as it would be to see him in Gila River Arena, Strome needs more time to develop.
The Arizona Coyotes are not in a hurry to win a Stanley Cup. The first year of the rebuild will be a tough one, so fans will have to wait it out a bit before Dylan Strome makes an impact. Why not let him play in the juniors and minors while he can? Strome should sharpen his skills a bit more before suiting up in an Arizona Coyotes sweater.
Answer: No
Next: Question 2
Will Mikkel Boedker have a break-out year coming back from an injury?
Oct 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Mikkel Boedker (89) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Arizona Coyotes 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In those 45 games last season Mikkel Boedker tallied 14 goals and 14 assists. He had a lot of hype going into last season, with an explosive year during the 2013-2014 season. That year, Boedker finished with 51 total points. So, will this upcoming season be Boedker’s breakout year?
Mikkel Boedker only agreed to a one year contract with the Arizona Coyotes this season. This is his final test to see if he is worth keeping around. As harsh as it sounds, GM Don Maloney needs Mikkel Boedker to produce the same numbers he did two years ago. Will he step up and pass the test? I think so.
Mar 14, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) signals to teammates during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
This is the burning question that is on everyone’s mind. It’s no secret that Mike Smith had a horrible season last year. His 14-42-5 record with the Arizona Coyotes was among the worst in the entire NHL. One might think that it can’t get any worse than that.
While his record was very shaky last season, Mike Smith cannot be put to blame. Smith had minimal goal support this last season by the offense. In fact, there were numerous times where the Arizona Coyotes only lost by a one-goal deficit. Smith appeared to better his game as the season rolled on. His goals against average went from a 3.51 pre-All Star break to a 2.81 post-All Star break. Likewise, his save percentage increased from a .887% to a .920% in that same time frame.
Mike Smith has been through many ups and downs in his career. Last season was an all time low for the Coyotes goaltender, and he is determined to give the fans something to cheer for this season. After a successful training this off-season, Mike Smith is ready for what October has to offer.
Answer: Yes
Next: Question 4
Will Tobias Rieder avoid a sophomore slump?
Apr 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes center Tobias Rieder (8) skates against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Many newcomers in the league are prone to the sophomore slump in their second year of play. The sophomore slump occurs when a player has a noteworthy rookie season, but a forgettable second season to follow. Tobias Rieder’s rookie season may not be considered “noteworthy”, but it can easily be seen as highly productive in laying the foundation down for the future. The 22 year old from Landshut, Germany was credited with 13 goals and 8 assists in 72 total games.
Tobias Rieder will definitely improve on those numbers this coming season. With silky puck handling abilities and versatile speed, Rieder will be an impact player for the Arizona Coyotes. Rieder will be a quiet 35-40 point scorer in his second season of play, as I forecast at least twenty goals coming from this kid. The dreaded sophomore slump will not have it’s effects on number eight.
Answer: Yes
Next: Question 5
Will Max Domi and Anthony Duclair have explosive years?
Nov 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers left wing Anthony Duclair (63) attacks with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Rangers 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
The most anticipated player in the Arizona Coyotes organization for the past couple of years has been Max Domi, and the time has finally come. Max Domi is finally ready to grace the ice in Gila River Arena with his presence. Along with Domi, the young superstar sent in from the New York Rangers in the Keith Yandle trade, may be ready to go as well. Anthony Duclair had a strong showing at the Coyotes prospect camp, and may be looked upon to provide support at the next level.
Both players will make their mark on the Arizona Coyotes team this season in one way or another. The chemistry from these World Juniors line-mates is something beneficial moving forward. With Domi’s play-making abilities and Duclair’s sniping skills, these two will be tough to stop. However, these players have a long way to go. The transition from junior hockey to professional hockey is a tough one and takes time. These players will need more professional experience before their break-out season occurs.
Answer: No
Next: Question 6
Will the Arizona Coyotes make the playoffs?
Jan 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett looks on against the San Jose Sharks at Gila River Arena. The Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Coyotes have not made the playoffs since their run to the Western Conference Final in 2012. With that being said, they have come close a few times. Whether it’s a late-season injury or a slow start to the season, the Arizona Coyotes have been on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. Could that change this year?
The optimistic fan in all of us wishes that this team will surprise the league. The odds of that happening right away are very slim. There’s always a chance for surprises, but the Coyotes organization is too early in the rebuild for those surprises to come around this year. The Coyotes have an inflow of young prospects coming in that will improve this team in the next few years. The Arizona Coyotes will be a threat within the next five years.
Unless the new ownership group realizes that they need better players, and are willing to spend the money to acquire them, this team will need to be patient with their aspirations to make the playoffs and compete for a Cup.
One must admit though, that in the meantime we all have the privilege to watch the young talent develop and mature into excellent NHL players. Until that time, it may be painful to watch them lose even more games. Yet, investing in their future is always the best path to success. And, the other factor is even if they aren’t much better than last season, they have the chance to draft an impact player like Auston Matthews. That can’t be all bad.
