Arizona Coyotes Leave Big Questions After First Major Cuts

Question 2: Lawson Crouse survived the first round of major cuts, so does that mean he’s going to play in Arizona on Opening Night?

Lawson Crouse has impressed during his first training camp in the Coyotes organization, to say the least.

He’s been racking up top-six minutes during the handful of preseason games he’s suited up for and before Monday night, many could conceivably see Crouse making the Opening Night roster.

But on Monday night, everything changed.

With Tobias Rieder back in the mix for the Coyotes on their top-9, Crouse’s roster spot suddenly comes under direct fire.

According to many roster predictions, the Arizona Coyotes would have had a winger slot open for Crouse if Rieder ended up not resigning. But since Rieder is back, the only starting winger role is likely on the 4th line and that spot is heavily dependent on the role of Ryan White, who can flip between wing and center.

There are also other facts as well, such as the progress of Stefan Fournier and Christian Fischer during training camp since they’re both natural right wingers.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie has already stated that he believes “[Crouse is] going to play as a 19-year-old.”

However, for now, it appears as if Crouse’s Opening Night plans are still in limbo.