The Arizona Coyotes have skill. There is no doubt in my mind that the Coyotes have talent. It is the coaches job to access that talent and help develop it for the game.
Whether it be the system, or the line combinations the coach is in charge. So how much do you really know about the Arizona Coyotes coaching staff? Before we get too far into the season I though it might be worth while to look at the people who are running the Coyotes.
Head Coach : Rick Tocchet – Since 2017
Rick Tocchet played 18 years in the NHL before becoming a head coach. Tocchet even played for the Phoenix Coyotes for 213 games. Tocchet has 4 years as an NHL head coach under his belt. First with Tampa Bay in 2008-2010, now with the Coyotes from 2017 to now.
Entering his fifth year as a head coach, and third with the Coyotes, has led some fans to question whether Tocchet is the man for the job in Arizona. Last season was the first time he had a winning record, but after failing to get a win in the first two games of the season some fans are questioning his leadership.
Tocchet has his work cut out for himself this season. Whether it be fixing the power play, or trying to push a young team that has not made the post season since 2012 back into the playoffs, Tocchet will want to rely on his assistant coaches to help.
Assistant Coach : John MacLean – Since 2017
MacLean brings much-needed Stanley Cup experience to the coaching staff. He won a Stanley Cup in 2003 as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils. MacLean coached 33 games as a head coach for the New Jersey Devils before being replace in the 2010-11 season.
According to Behind the Benches MacLean’s primary role with the Coyotes is the forwards and penalty kill. The ‘Yotes penalty kill is one of the best in the league, but their forward group can use some help scoring goals. MacLean has a lot of work cut out for himself in the coming weeks when it comes to fixing the Coyotes offense.
Assistant Coach : Phil Housley – Since 2019
Phil Housley had a very long NHL career as a defenseman. He played in 1495 games in the NHL, with teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, and Washington Capitals.
Housley, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, never won a Stanley Cup in the NHL. However hopefully he can bring his experience as a player to the team as a coach. Housley’s main role with the ‘Yotes will be to unlock the blue lines potential and work on the power play. We know how deadly the ‘Yotes defense is in their own zone.
However if the Coyotes want to score more goals they need to have their defenseman join in on the play.
Goalie Coach : Corey Schwab – Since 2015
Corey Schwab only played 147 games in the NHL as a goalie. However that does not mean he is not a worthwhile asset to the Coyotes. Having a goalie competition within the organization can be great, but you need someone their to help create a good environment. Enter Schwab who knows just how important the goalie position is these days.
Owner : Alex Meruelo
Alex Meruelo is a business man. Hopefully he can help turn the Arizona Coyotes into a successful business after he bought the team earlier this year.
General Manager : John Chayka
The Marvel Cinematic universe has Kevin Feige to thank for their success, one day the Arizona Coyotes will have John Chayka to thank for their success.
Chayka has served as GM of the Coyotes since 2016, succeed Don Maloney for the position. Chayka believes the Coyotes can win a championship, and so do we.
Service Dog : Luna
We partnered with @nadiassist to adopt Luna.
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) September 9, 2019
We will train her in housing, vetting, obedience, socialization to all environments & individuals as well as proper service dog etiquette & public access manners. Once Luna completes training, she will be given to a veteran in need.🖤 pic.twitter.com/gniMehjZQe