Arizona Coyotes Defense Breakdown By Player
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