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http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coyotes/articles/0626coyotesnb0626.html
Barnett silent on Pronger
David Vest
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 26, 2006 12:00 AM
So, we know the Coyotes want to add a big-name defenseman to the roster before next season, and we know Chris Pronger, arguably the NHL's best blueliner, suddenly is looking for a new team.
General Manager Mike Barnett on Sunday declined comment when asked about Phoenix's interest in Pronger, who keyed Edmonton's recent run to the Stanley Cup finals.
That silence suggests the Coyotes may be considering splurging on Pronger, given that Rob Blake and Ed Jovanovski, two defensemen Phoenix has had its eyes on, appear destined to land in Colorado and Florida, respectively.
The key to any deal for Pronger is his contract, which has four years left at $6.25 million per season. By comparison, Phoenix's highest-paid player is Derek Morris, who will make $3.9 million next season.
If the Coyotes are interested in trading for Pronger, their lack of star power may hamper their effort. Pronger is a franchise player and the Oilers likely will seek a similar player in return for him in a trade.
The lack of star power presumably hampered a quiet attempt by Phoenix to acquire right wing Todd Bertuzzi from the Vancouver Canucks last week.
Summers not a forward
Chris Summers may have played forward for the U.S. Under-18 team at this year's World Junior Championship, but don't be fooled. Summers, for whom Phoenix traded up to grab with the second-to-last selection (29th) in the first round of Saturday's draft, wants to be an NHL defenseman.
"My coach felt it would be a good change for me to go up to forward," Summers said. "At that point, I didn't care if he put me in the goal pipes playing goalie for the tournament. I was going to do whatever it took to win the gold medal, which is what we did."
Although his skating is strong, Summers admits his puck handling needs work. He's hoping to improve it while playing for the University of Michigan beginning in the fall.
Barnett said the Coyotes had Summers ranked in the high teens and aggressively tried to trade up after he wasn't taken in the first 20 picks of the draft.
Detroit, which had the 29th pick, was the first team willing to trade for Phoenix's two picks in the second round (41st and 47th overall).
Ice chips
The Coyotes drafted one goaltender Saturday, American Brett Bennett with the 130th overall pick. Bennett notched a 1.26 goals-against average and .960 save percentage in five games for the U.S. Under-18 National Development team last season.
• First-round draft picks Peter Mueller and Summers are scheduled to attend the rookie camp next week in the Valley.
Barnett silent on Pronger
David Vest
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 26, 2006 12:00 AM
So, we know the Coyotes want to add a big-name defenseman to the roster before next season, and we know Chris Pronger, arguably the NHL's best blueliner, suddenly is looking for a new team.
General Manager Mike Barnett on Sunday declined comment when asked about Phoenix's interest in Pronger, who keyed Edmonton's recent run to the Stanley Cup finals.
That silence suggests the Coyotes may be considering splurging on Pronger, given that Rob Blake and Ed Jovanovski, two defensemen Phoenix has had its eyes on, appear destined to land in Colorado and Florida, respectively.
The key to any deal for Pronger is his contract, which has four years left at $6.25 million per season. By comparison, Phoenix's highest-paid player is Derek Morris, who will make $3.9 million next season.
If the Coyotes are interested in trading for Pronger, their lack of star power may hamper their effort. Pronger is a franchise player and the Oilers likely will seek a similar player in return for him in a trade.
The lack of star power presumably hampered a quiet attempt by Phoenix to acquire right wing Todd Bertuzzi from the Vancouver Canucks last week.
Summers not a forward
Chris Summers may have played forward for the U.S. Under-18 team at this year's World Junior Championship, but don't be fooled. Summers, for whom Phoenix traded up to grab with the second-to-last selection (29th) in the first round of Saturday's draft, wants to be an NHL defenseman.
"My coach felt it would be a good change for me to go up to forward," Summers said. "At that point, I didn't care if he put me in the goal pipes playing goalie for the tournament. I was going to do whatever it took to win the gold medal, which is what we did."
Although his skating is strong, Summers admits his puck handling needs work. He's hoping to improve it while playing for the University of Michigan beginning in the fall.
Barnett said the Coyotes had Summers ranked in the high teens and aggressively tried to trade up after he wasn't taken in the first 20 picks of the draft.
Detroit, which had the 29th pick, was the first team willing to trade for Phoenix's two picks in the second round (41st and 47th overall).
Ice chips
The Coyotes drafted one goaltender Saturday, American Brett Bennett with the 130th overall pick. Bennett notched a 1.26 goals-against average and .960 save percentage in five games for the U.S. Under-18 National Development team last season.
• First-round draft picks Peter Mueller and Summers are scheduled to attend the rookie camp next week in the Valley.
