Arizona Coyotes: Predicting 2016-17 Lineup (Defensemen)

One preseason game remains for the Arizona Coyotes, and that means some important roster decisions will be coming soon. Who will round out the defense? What pairings will emerge?

The Arizona Coyotes finished the 2015-16 campaign with the third worst goals against average (2.95) and the fourth worst shots against per game (30.76) in the league. After a strategic summer of trading, signing, and drafting, things are looking much better.

Here are the changes:

In: Alex Goligoski, Luke Schenn, Jakob Chychrun, Anthony DeAngelo, Jamie McBain

Out: Nicklas Grossmann

The primary objective for John Chayka and Dave Tippett was to establish defensive depth.

Mission accomplished.

Even with recent roster cuts, the Coyotes still have 13 defensemen in camp. With only a week and a half until opening night, some decisions need to be made.

Who will stay and who will go?

Here are my predictions…

Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Connor Murphy

Oliver-Ekman Larsson is easily one of the most underrated players in the league.

Over the last two seasons he has scored the most goals of any NHL defensemen (44). More importantly, he is equally effective in the defensive end.

Arguably the Coyotes’ most important player, Ekman-Larsson is relied upon to play big minutes against tough competition. Fortunately, the offseason signing of Alex Goligoski should relieve some of this pressure on OEL’s shoulders.

At 25 years old, OEL is in the prime of his career. Combine that with all of the young talent the Coyotes will feature this year, and it’s possible we could see a big offensive year from number 23.

Connor Murphy had a big summer.

Coming into the season with a shiny six-year contract should give the 23 year-old some confidence, and hopefully that translates into another step forward on the ice.

Murphy responded well last season after being benched early on. He returned from the press box a more aggressive and physical player, earning a spot next to OEL.

Rumors circled during the offseason that the Coyotes were involved in potential deals for a right-handed defender that could play top minutes. Nothing came together, though, which gives Murphy more time to prove himself.

Alex Goligoski and Michael Stone

Alex Goligoski was undoubtedly the marquee signing of the offseason for the Coyotes.

After acquiring his rights from the Dallas Stars for a 5^th round pick, Chayka and Tippett were able to sell Goligoski on the organization and its future.

His presence on the blue line will be stabilizing for the Coyotes.

A capable veteran, he will be a good voice and mentor in the locker room. He is also an excellent puck mover, so he should fit in well with the speedy youngsters.

Essentially, he is a replacement for Nicklas Grossmann, and by replacement I mean massive upgrade.

Michael Stone is coming off a career season with 36 points (6G, 36A) and should fit in well with Goligoski. He moves the puck well and brings some physicality to the pairing.

Stone has spent the offseason recovering from surgery. He tore his ACL and MCL in a game against the Flyers near the end of last year, so he may not be ready to start the season.

As a result, expect to see Luke Schenn or Zbynek Michalek fill this spot to start the season until Stone is healthy.

Jakob Chychrun and Luke Schenn

What a difference a few months can make.

After watching his stock plummet at the draft in June, 18 year-old Jakob Chychrun is making other teams regret passing on him.

His skill and speed have been on display throughout the preseason, and he has played consistently in every situation.

In his way for the final left defensive spot are Klas Dahlbeck and Kevin Connauton, who are ahead of the youngster in terms of NHL experience. However, Chychrun’s style of play and the maturity of his game make him a real dark horse to win the spot.

Jakob may also benefit from the fact that Connauton is currently injured.

Luke Schenn was a savvy addition by John Chayka.

A former 5^th overall pick by the Maple Leafs, Schenn never lived up to the high expectations placed upon him. However, Arizona is the perfect place for him to regain some confidence in his game without outside pressure.

While not a huge offensive threat, he could flourish in a third-pairing shut down role, especially if he plays with a speedy puck-mover like Chychrun.

Additionally, he brings some much-needed physicality to the team; only one player (Brooks Orpik) has more hits than Luke Schenn since he broke into the league.