Arizona Coyotes: Martin Hanzal Will Be Missed In Arizona
After 10 consistent seasons, the Arizona Coyotes have parted ways with center Martin Hanzal.
Recently, the Arizona Coyotes traded center Martin Hanzal and Ryan White to the Minnesota Wild for a plethora of draft-pick assets.
The news saddened Coyotes fans who had been bracing for it as Hanzal was expected to be one of the biggest names moved at the deadline this year. It was only a matter of time.
Although it stings to see a veteran like Martin Hanzal go, we can’t help but be thankful for his contributions and time spent with the Coyotes organization over the past 10 years.
Marty Comes To The Desert
The Czech native was selected in the first round, 17th overall by the Coyotes in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. The young left-handed center was brought to the desert for his size and two-way potential on the ice.
During the 2007-08 season, Hanzal made his NHL debut for the then Phoenix Coyotes.
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At the ripe age of 20 years-old, Hanzal tallied 35 points in 72 games for the Coyotes in his debut season.
Veteran Presence
The 2011-12 NHL season was very special for Martin Hanzal and the Arizona Coyotes.
Not only did Hanzal grow into his big frame, but his leadership and skill started to fall into place.
During the Coyotes’ Western Conference Finals run, Hanzal was named ‘Alternate Captain’ of the team. He remained a veteran leader next to captain Shane Down for the duration of his career in Arizona.
Hanzal scored this memorable overtime game winner against the Chicago Blackhawks that fans will never forget.
The goal marks one of the best moments in Coyotes history.
Rebuilding Hurts
Through 10 seasons with the Coyotes, Hanzal played in a total of 608 games.
He recorded 117 goals and 196 assists, totaling 313 career points.
Injuries and a lack of goal scoring has held Hanzal back in his career as far as points go, but his veteran presence was valuable for this team night after night.
That will be hard to replace, particularly against other team’s top centers.
Rebuilding is never something that goes down easy.
As fans, we hope and expect things to play out one way, but that one way is not always the best way. For the long-term health of an organization, difficult decisions must be made by the front office, even if that means parting ways with a loyal 10-year veteran.
Unfortunately, Martin Hanzal was a victim of our rebuilding process and it really hurts to see him go.
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It’s painful, but necessary for the success of the Coyotes.
We will dearly miss you Marty, and thanks for all of your great time and memories in Arizona. You will always be a Coyote and we will be rooting for you in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs.