Howlin' Hockey
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Arizona Coyotes Leave Big Questions After First Major Cuts

By Alex Temes

Oct 3, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Arizona Coyotes forward Dylan Strome (20) shoots the puck against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) and defenseman Ben Hutton (27) during the third period during a preseason hockey game at Rogers Arena. The Arizona Coyotes won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Arizona Coyotes forward Dylan Strome (20) shoots the puck against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) and defenseman Ben Hutton (27) during the third period during a preseason hockey game at Rogers Arena. The Arizona Coyotes won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Coyotes
Apr 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan White (25) during the second period against the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Question 3: At what capacity does the coaching staff intend to use Ryan White?

Speaking of Ryan White, his role on the Arizona Coyotes for this season is a little confusing. He does bring some strong bottom line checking skill, as well as some outstanding penalty killing ability.

Yet his positioning and lineup consistency will complicate the route to the NHL for a variety of prospects vying for roster spots this fall.

If White is played regularly at center on the 4th line, then the Coyotes will be looking for a lone prospect to fill a top-6 center role, a bottom-6 winger role, and two skaters to fill healthy scratch roles.

If White plays wing with that same consistency, the the Coyotes will need two starting centers, plus the two scratches.

But if White becomes an irregular player, only dressed for specific games requiring a heavy back-checking presence or extensive penalty kill, then more starting spots open for rookies to fill. In fact, if White were to take on a support role, two centers and a winger could introduce themselves to the highest level of professional hockey.

None the less, White’s role this season will be a critical aspect in deciding how often and which rookies will play in Glendale.

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