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Arizona Coyotes Defense Breakdown By Player

By William Grigsby |
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With the new season about to begin, the Arizona Coyotes must improve their defensive lapses from last season.

I know what you’re thinking — how can we get any better than OEL? We really can’t, except for the entire defensive group to improve. With that getting done, Oliver will exceed expectations, including his plus/minus numbers which weren’t fantastic last year at -18.

His offensive game was over the top with 23 goals and 20 assists. With the infusion of youthful energy from prospects Max Domi and Anthony Duclair, the offense picking up its game will certainly make it easier for the defense to shine again.

The team from 2011-12 was very successful due to a dominating defense, coupled with an adequate offense to establish a pattern of winning. Having Mike Smith perform admirably didn’t hurt either.

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OEL can be an outstanding defenseman, if he is not turned to as the only offensive weapon on the team. His power play numbers were exceptional with 10 goals, to go along with three short-handed goals, seven game winners, with three being overtime game winners. And, it was just announced today, that HC Dave Tippett is going to experiment with Mikkel Boedker on the point along with OEL on the power play. With hope Boedker can emulate the success that Keith Yandle had from that position, Tippett is willing to give it a go, and Boeds is good with it.

He became the go-to guy last season after the team traded Keith Yandle to the New York Rangers for forward prospect Anthony Duclair. He can still be that same clutch player, but he needs some help so teams don’t key in on him alone.

OEL will more than likely have an even better season, and be chosen to play in the All-Star game again. He’s also stepping up as an assistant captain, and takes that responsibility to heart. Look for him to be the next captain of the team as soon as Captain Coyote Shane Doan hangs up his skates.

Next: Zbynek Michalek

Jan 19, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek (4) and goalie Mike Smith (41) defend against the Dallas Stars attack during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Coyotes 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Michalek is back, after signing a free agent contract for two years, and goalie Mike Smith is all smiles. The reason for that is Michalek is almost a second goalie due to the fact that he blocks so many shots. He has averaged 114 blocks a season in his 11 year NHL career. Of course, this increases his chances of injuries, but he is fearless on blocking shots, and that is just how he plays the game. This is his second stint with the Arizona Coyotes, and this time he wants to stay here for good.

Michalek told Coyotes Dave Vest:

“I don’t want to leave again. This has always been a special place for me and my family. This was the team that really gave me a chance to become an NHL player, and I like to play here and live here and raise my kids here. This is a good organization run by good people and that’s why I came back.”

He is especially happy to be back in the valley, playing for Head Coach Dave Tippett, whom he respects and knows what is expected of him. He also wants to keep playing as long as he can. He will be 33 in December, and the bruises, knocks and physical play could catch up to him.

It’s still not clear who Z will team up with on the blue-line, but if it’s Niklas Grossmann, or young Klas Dahlbeck, one thing is for certain – they will have a solid, NHL veteran as a partner defending the Arizona Coyotes defensive zone.

Next: Michael Stone

Sep 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings forward Jordan Weal (60) and Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone (26) battle for the puck in the overtime period of the game at Staples Center. Kings won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Stone is in his second season, and played all but one game last season. He added in three goals and 15 assists, down from his numbers a year ago when he chipped in eight goals and 13 assists. His goal this season is to contribute more offensively, especially with his rocket shot from the point. He moves the puck well, and is more of a stay-at-home type of defenseman. He paired up with Oliver Ekman-Larsson some last season, after Zbynk Michalek was traded.

Where Stone fits in this season, with new faces onboard has still not been determined. He could again be with OEL, whom he appreciated playing alongside (who wouldn’t) last season. He also could be teamed up with newly acquired blue-liner Niklas Grossmann. That could be a very physical pairing, because Stone is an excellent physical player, and Grossmann can’t help but be physical at his size (6’ 4″, 230).

Michael Stone is a solid D-man, and can be used on the power play (remember he has that great shot from the point) or the penalty kill. With these skills, he is flexible enough for Head Coach Dave Tippett to insert him as needed depending on the situation. Stone likes that, and wants the coaching staff to trust him when his number is called. Having just missed one game last season, his durability is imperative as injuries can really hurt a team.

If Stone is teamed up with Oliver Ekman-Larsson this season look for his play to continue to improve. He is the perfect complement to Oliver since he has some offensive upside, but is primarily a stay-at-home defenseman. When you play with an All-Star like Ekman-Larsson, you’ve got to cover for his offensive maneuvers and get back on defense if he goes deep into the offensive zone.

You might say Michael Stone is as solid as a rock (or stone), and the Arizona Coyotes are glad to have him onboard.

Next: Connor Murphy

Mar 7, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Connor Murphy (5) and defenseman John Moore (17) sandwich Montreal Canadiens right wing Devante Smith-Pelly (21) as goalie Mike Smith (41) and center Lars Eller (81) look on in the first period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Murphy who turned 22 last March (and looks all of 17) is still learning, and has the potential to be an outstanding NHL defenseman. He has size (6’ 4”, 212), and knows how to use it. He accounted for four goals and three assists last season while participating in 73 games. He was a first round, 20th overall selection of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

What is attractive about his game is his pure physicality, not backing down from anyone, and making forwards wish they never entered the area he is defending. He is still young, and still learning, but his potential has not completely peaked as of yet. He may need a good veteran defenseman to team up with, to help his further development. Niklas Grossmann may be just the candidate for that task. The defensive pairings have not been established yet, and Head Coach Dave Tippett likes to switch things up until he finds the perfect combination that works most effectively.

Grossmann has an offensive side to his game, and Connor Murphy is more of a stay-at-home blue-liner, so it may be a good match. One thing is for certain —  with that defensive tandem the opponents will know when they come into the Coyotes defensive zone, because they are going to be hit, and hit hard. That’s the kind of respect for the defense that was lacking last season, and the hope is this season the defense will dictate what the offense can accomplish.

With Connor Murphy improving each and every game, the Arizona Coyotes have themselves a defenseman who will help in their quest to advance towards respectability once again.

Next: Niklas Grossmann

When the Arizona Coyotes acquired Grossman they were looking to increase their defensive capabilities. He brings size (6’ 4”, 230) and penalty killing experience to a team who struggled with playing short-handed last season. The Arizona Coyotes decided that defense had better go to the next level this season, and that’s why they traded Sam Gagner, and a draft pick for Chris Pronger’s contract and Niklas Grossmann on draft day last June 26th.

Head Coach Dave Tippett is high on Grossmann, and was instrumental in convincing GM Don Maloney to acquire his services, since he coached him for three seasons while with the Dallas Stars. Grossman fits in really well with the Coyotes kingpin All-Star defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Klas Dahlbeck, all originally from Sweden. One of the attributes of the NHL players from Sweden is their skating ability.

Associate coach Jim Playfair, who coaches the blue-line bunch is also appreciative of what Grossmann brings to the Arizona Coyotes.

“I don’t think the game will ever go away from that type of player,” said Playfair. “I think when you look at the last minute of a game when you’re protecting a lead, those are your go-to guys. On the penalty kill when you really need that hard, shutdown guy, those are your go-to guys.”

Playfair also noticed that Grossmann moves smoothly. “He doesn’t seem to have to recover ice with his stick very much. He recovers with his feet, and that’s a huge part of being a NHL defenseman.”

Grossmann has already been pegged to be a mentor for young Klas Dahlbeck, and help him develop into an outstanding defenseman.

It looks like Niklas Grossmann is a good addition to the Arizona Coyotes blue-line in many different aspects.

Next: Klas Dahlbeck

Sep 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Klas Dahlbeck (34) and Los Angeles Kings left wing Michael Mersch (49) battle on the boards in the second period of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Klas Dahlbeck was traded to the Arizona Coyotes along with a first round pick (Nick Merkley) from the Chicago Blackhawks, for center Antione Vermette. It turned out to be a sweet deal for the Coyotes, since Vermette left the salary cap plagued Blackhawks and came back to the desert as a free agent. Not only did the team acquire a talented, young defenseman in Dahlbeck, they also added a young prospect in Merkley with some real upside. Merkley got injured in rookie camp, and was returned to his junior team, the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL.

Dahlbeck, 24 has only played in 24 NHL games, 19 with the Coyotes last season. He had three assists, and handed out 58 hits, while  averaging over 19 minutes a game. The team must see something in him, or wouldn’t have dealt away Brandon Gormley, and John Moore who were also competing for a spot on the blue-line with Dahlbeck.

Dahlbeck is described by Elite Prospects:

A defensive minded and very solid defenseman. Dahlbeck has good size, plays with nice determination and has good positioning. Does not contribute much offensively, but thanks to his his smarts in his own end and his simple play, he is quite valuable for any team.

During the 2013-14 season while playing for the Rockford Ice Dogs of the AHL, Dahlbeck collected 10 goals, 25 assists, in 75 games, with an impressive +/- of +21.

The Coyotes have given him the opportunity to show them what he’s got, and he needs to take advantage of it. Gormley didn’t do that, and the team got impatient with his progress.

The Arizona Coyotes Sweedish trio on defense will be something to watch this upcoming season.

Next: Stefan Elliott

Feb 7, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Stefan Elliott (46) in the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Minnesota Wild beat the Colorado Avalanche 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Coyotes, frustrated in their search for another right-handed puck moving defenseman, acquired Elliott a couple weeks ago for Brandon Gormley, who just wasn’t making progress to stay with the parent team. Stefan Elliott, 24 played four seasons for the Colorado Avalanche with six goals and 12 assists. He was also playing quite a bit in the AHL’S Lake Erie Monsters (cool hockey team name), appearing in 64 games with 19 goals and 21 assists in his best year there during the 2013-14 season.

He looked very solid in the rookie training camp sessions, covering his man like a wet blanket. The Arizona Coyotes now have seven defensemen on the roster that they will more than likely use on opening night. It is not certain at this point, if Elliott, or Dahlbeck will be in the starting six blue-liners. They could interchange as Head Coach Dave Tippett sees fit.

Stefan Elliott is anxious to get some playing time, as he only played in five Av’s games last season. As it sometimes turns out, when two players with similar skills are traded for each other, the opportunities for a fresh start are abundant. Elliott sees this as his chance to show the Coyotes what he can do to help his new team.

With the fact that Elliott has more NHL experience than Dahlbeck, he may be relied upon more frequently to step forward with the top six D-men.

The Coyotes hopefully have addressed their defensive lapses from last season, and with new blood on the blue-line things should improve. Stefan Elliott is quite ready to assist in that endeavor.

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Final Analysis:

The Arizona Coyotes MUST improve defensively this new season if they have any hope to gain back the respectability they once enjoyed. With Mike Smith coming back with the intentions of proving he can still dominate between the pipes, the defense should be helping him more in that pursuit.

The offense should be fine with the addition of the prospects Max Domi, Anthony Duclair and perhaps a Brendan Perlini, or Christain Dvorak.

It’s now time for the defense to shut down the opposition in order to win more games.

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