Phoenix Coyotes Season Thread - February

[KingLouieLouie]

This month might be the most defining one for the Coyotes and especially for Michael Barnett....


The Coyotes after lastnight's rather disheartening defeat vs. the 8th seeded Wild are now 12 points away from ousting them away from that spot..... The Coyotes arent mathematically eliminated, but they must go on a 10 consecutive game winning streak hoping that the Wild falter to drastic proportions in the meantime.... Unfortunately, I dont just envision that happening......

Now, Michael Barnett has several decisions to make... obviously two involve whether or not to trade both Doan and Nagy at the trade deadline.... I have mixed emotions regarding what direction the Coyotes must take in both of them respectively.... I personally would trade them both (in separate deals) if they can net some highly regarded prospects who are NHL level ready...especially those who have had a proven track record of scoring prolifically throughout their advancement....

Doan is currently at the downslope of his career, but the Coyotes should reward him by trading him to a Stanley Cup contending team...he deserves it... He's been for the most part a good-sport for someone who has had to deal with playing on a team that has never established a true direction.. chemistry... nucleus...... etc..... Barnett has never enabled the team to develop an identity... I just cannot fathom why year-after-year he trades away some younger talent and then as always each offseason acquires some retreads.... It seems that he never learns from his past mistakes...

Nagy just seems complacent and rarely is consistant..... I think he would benefit immensely from a change of scenery.. .a trade would serve as his wake-up call......

Obviously, we know the reason why the Coyotes havent made true strides are the horrible drafts theyve had in recent years... At least Sjostrom is beginning to prove his keep, but its been long over-due....

It just sickens me watching Briere, Langkow, Cleary, etc all dominate now w/their teams and the Coyotes essentially dont have anything to show for sending those players away.......

At least Roenick and Nolan have done well, but it still doesnt necessarily offset the fiascos involving Nedved, Amonte, Hull, Ricci, etc......

Again, February will be the most defining month in the Coyotes history... if they elect to remain status quo.. then this team will never contend in the Western Conference, however, if they cut most of their losses now and are able to inject a team consisting of players with tremendous upside, then this team could be on the verge of greatness...

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Some excellent observations, KLL. Contending NHL GMs massively overpay at the trade deadline, and we've got a fistful of bargaining chips. Barnett would be wise to take advantage, we won't ever have an opportunity this good. February will indeed define the Coyotes not only for next year but beyond.

Its easy to point the finger at Barnett for trading away Briere, but people often forget that at one point Danny Briere was on waivers. Any team could have had him for absolutely free, but none of the 29 other GMs bit. At least we didn't walk away empty handed, the Coyotes managed to indirectly flip Briere for the guy I am almost positive will be the next Phoenix captain, Keith Ballard. I was a huge Cleary fan and wished we had resigned him as I thought he was a great third or fourth liner. I would have never thought that he would explode offensively, but he has really cooled off compared to the beginning of the season.

As you mentioned, their drafting has laid waste to any chances at being a true contender. Until their drafting and player development improves, that won't change. None of the trades or free agent signings will alter that, winners are made at the draft podium. Luckily, the early return on the last three drafts is much more positive. I have high hopes for many of the guys soon to be joining the ranks, such as Mueller, Hanzal, Lisin, Yandle, and Kaigorodov.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

As you mentioned, their drafting has laid waste to any chances at being a true contender. Until their drafting and player development improves, that won't change. None of the trades or free agent signings will alter that, winners are made at the draft podium. Luckily, the early return on the last three drafts is much more positive. I have high hopes for many of the guys soon to be joining the ranks, such as Mueller, Hanzal, Lisin, Yandle, and Kaigorodov.

I must admit I havent followed/charted the prospects developments... Whatever happened to Blake Wheeler? I know he was a stretch when the Coyotes selected him, but I thought at the time it wasnt the worst choice since he had a rather large frame for a 17 y/o and could easily grown into it... Plus, it seemed he was doing well while w/the Univeristy of Minnesota..

I of course was disappointed when Lisin declined his demotion and ended-up returning back to Russia... Does this mean that he will always have some character issues? Also, the same obviously applies to Kaigorodov.... They both might have immense potential, but they must at least play in the NHL Minor League level to truely gague their progress rather than always bolt back home whenever they cannot get their way....

Mueller and Hanzel really do intrigue me, but it seems they havent made the leap that many in their draft classes have...... Perhaps too many veterans are preventing them from making full progress...

I like Bill Thomas..... I guess it's because of how he played in his NHL debut last season....He just seems to possess the intangibles and leadership ability.... I havent noticed Lehoux's name being mentioned, but I just noticed he's been mounting some solid offensive stats... he should be the next promoted.....rather see him play than some retread that doesnt have a long-term future here.......

I hope the Yotes can net Perreault to a 3-year deal ASAP... He seems to be this year's Reinprecht.. a player who capitalizes on his opportunity and he realizes that he's found a home here...... I think Perreault can be signed at a bargain.... that guy has done what the Yotes expected and then some....

Also, would the Coyotes consider dealing CuJo to a contender that might be in dire need of a veteran goalie? I think Tellqvist is more than capable than being an every day goalie..and LeNeveu warrants another opportunity........

Oh well.. the next couple of weeks will ultimately seal the Yotes fate in all these areas....

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Wheeler has been having a breakout year at Minnesota. He's playing for the best team in the nation and has 29 points (4th on his team) in 31 games. Last season he had 23 points in 39 games. He still has a ways to go, but from all accounts he has improved in every facet of the game this season.

As it turns out, Lisin had a clause in his contract where he could go back to Russia if demoted, which wasn't previously thought true. Hard to fault him for exercising his right, but it is still disappointing as he would have progressed much better in the AHL getting acclaimated to North American hockey rather than another year in the RSL. I believe that Kaigorodov had a similar deal in his contract.

Thomas I think has a future with this team, probably as a third liner who can chip in offensively as well. Lehoux has been one of the very few guys putting up points in San Antonio. Unfortunately, he probably won't be called up as the Coyotes don't want to risk losing him on the waiver wire.

I am a very big LeNeveu fan but unfortunately it doesn't seem that Coyotes management shares my opinion. They seemed to lose confidence in him rather quickly and I think they have made a large mistake in doing so. Tellqvist is a nice goaltender who will be given a chance to be the feature goalie here but I think that the team will definitely need to go after an insurance policy to go with him. Cujo has played a lot lately, it appears that the Coyotes are indeed showcasing him. I find it likely that he will be traded between now and deadline day.

I really like Perreault and wouldn't be adversed to signing him (although at his age a 3 year deal is a bit much). However, he might just be our guy with the most deadline trade value. He makes very little so almost every contender can fit him under the cap, he has played very well offensively scoring some clutch goals, and having the number one face off guy in the league in the playoffs is HUGE. I think that his trade value will just be too high not to deal him, plus there is always the possibility of re-signing him when he becomes a free agent in the summer.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

I re-read several of the trade deadline deals the Yotes have made since '04 and it's quite overwhelming how directionless they were..... Hence, this is why they never have established a true chemistry......I'm just going to post those that have a impact on the current roster....

Here's the threads for perspective sake... I really dont want to evaluate each in every trade in detail at this time, but it's quite obvious who got the advantage:

Mike Sillinger for Brent Johnson:
http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25888&highlight=trade

Sillinger has been dominant over the past couple of seasons... in the meantime.. what ever became of Brent Johnson? I love to cite this quote from an article that was in that thread:

Barnett has traded away big and talented Michael Handzus and goalie Robert Esche to acquire a goalie that has not played as well as Esche since the deal.

He then traded smallish but scoring center Daniel Briere for big Chris Gratton, who is supposed to have replaced Handzus.

This season, Barnett acquired Mike Comrie, a small but offensive center to replace Briere by trading away Sean Burke and promising power-forward Branko Radivojevic. Now Sillinger has been traded for Johnson.

Barnett's on-the-job-training has ruined the team of NHL talent and has turned the Coyotes into an NHL laughingstock. He has offered ridiculously high contracts to players who have flopped (Savage) to go along with his notoriously horrible trading record.

Gretzky's inclusion in the ownership of the Coyotes was supposed to be the salvation of hockey in Phoenix. We're still waiting.

Acquiring the rights to Keith Ballard:
http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26334&highlight=trade
We obviously agree this was a stellar moved.... He has such tremendous upside...that it is unreal....


Langkow for Saprykin/Gauthier.... then they signed Nedved:
http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=36144&highlight=trade
Langkow has excelled in Calgary....putting around around or even better stats than he did w/the Coyotes.... Saprykin must finally make an impact by next season since he's no longer considered a long-term prospect... He never has lived-up to his immense potential... he's too streaky...... of course, they dealt Langkow to free-up money for Nedved.. in response...

03/09/06... "the day that lived in infamy"

Sean O'Donnell traded to Anaheim
http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=69402&highlight=trade
Joel Perrault was an excellent addition.. then they lose him off the waivers once.. reclaim him.. and I believe they've since lost him again? He can be a flashy scorer, someone you never expose to the waiver wire regardless.....

Coyotes acquire Oleg Kvasha:
http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=69417&highlight=trade
Kvasha seemed to score with relative ease during his brief stint in the Yotes uniform, but he's no longer in the organization..... I'm still baffled as to why he wasnt retained...

Gauthier for Josh Gratton:
http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=69399&highlight=trade
The Yotes must play Gratton more on a regular basis... he's the enforcer the team really needs.. he's imposing and the opposition always second-guesses targetting any of the high-skilled players when he's out there patrolling the ice... this was probably Barnett's 2nd best acquisition.....

If you notice.. Barnett constantly goes in circles... he acquires players that he lost in other trades.. more often than not sacrificing more than that particular player is worth... He just reminds me of Joe G Jr..... He seems to get "suckered" into dealing the best players possible opposed to bluffing and countering trades such as what Josh Byrnes has done w/the Dbacks thus far...... Barnett tends to be caught off-guard and desperate..... they could keep Barnett in the business side, however, they need a 'legit hockey mind to come in and make the personnel moves.... Money doesnt seem to be a major issue... I believe the Yotes arent that much over the cap.. plus many would sacrifice their first born to play for Gretzky.....

It's just that there's no nucleus... must establish one.... Are there any untouchables?

I think only Ballard, Gratton, Michalek, and Jovanovski are the only true untouchables.... perhaps along w/those 4... the foundation could be set w/Sjostrom, Saprykin, Thomas, Reinprecht, and perhaps Fischer...

I beg to differ on Yanic since it seems that he's the type of player who gets better w/age.... He's the best at taking face-offs and seems to be a steady influence on those he play alongside of him....... He could get a 2 yr contract plus an option....... He's discovered the fountain of youth here......

I dont like Laraque and Boynton thus far... Laraque (based upon how many healthy scratches he's had) hasnt factored in to what the Yotes anticipated... it just seems he hasnt played with the aggression that he's done before... is he the type who finally gets that lucractive contract and suddenly becomes complacent? I wouldnt be shocked if Boynton is dealt right at the deadline........

I still cannot figure out signing players like Roenick and Nolan? GMs only obtain those players if you're 1-2 players away from winning the cup, however, it appears more and more obvious that the Yotes are 5-6 players away.... stop adding these retreads who just occupy space and stunt the growth of players who factor into the long-term plans.... Dont get me wrong... Roenick will always be a fan favorite (and one of mine), but what purpose does he serve now? Nolan has been incredible in his comeback I must admit, but still........

Also, Linsin should have reported down to San Antonio.... he could have rounded himself into shape and been recalled prior to season's end.. instead of doing away w/his NHL eligibility for the remainder of the season... how can he make any progress?

Oh well..... I just hope Barnett doesnt set the franchise back even further.. or else it's about time they finally bring in a 'legit NHL talent evaulator.... true.. Barnett was a great player agent, but at least the Dbacks are astute by using Moorad in the capacity of contract negotiations along w/the other facets of the business side, instead of depending on him in devleoping the player personnel.....

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

It appears that Doan and Nagy are on the trading block. Cujo will get yet another start tonight, so I think its safe to say he's being shopped.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=83594

 

[Kel Varnsen]

Should have cleaned house last year, imo, but better late than never.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

It appears that Doan and Nagy are on the trading block. Cujo will get yet another start tonight, so I think its safe to say he's being shopped.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=83594

I just hope that Barnett sticks to his word and waits until the trading deadline to execute any deals (especially involving both Doan and Nagy).....

The next 2-wks will dictate whether or not the Coyotes are either contenders or pretenders to seize the 8th spot in the Western Conference.... I'm more inclined to dub them as pretenders at this point since I just dont see the Wild free-falling and in the process the Coyotes going on some amazing stretch of victories......

That would then place the Yotes a week before the trade-deadline.. with their fate ultimately sealed... Barnett can contact each and every team interested in both Doan and Nagy (of course dealt in separate trades) and pit each of those teams into a bidding war of what prospects they would be willing to part with to net them..... That would of course cause those teams to deal players they typically wouldnt otherwise, so finally in this case Barnett wont be getting fleeced.....

If Barnett just stands pat....and ends-up losing either or both w/out getting anything in return, then he's obviously set the franchise back 5 more years.... Re-signing either or both is another scenario... but I feel all we've seen of them already is what we're going to get... Both arent the true prolific scorers the team is in dire need of..... both arent that physical.... and also are injury-prone for the most part.... True, both have been All Stars, but are marginal at best.....and whatever type of long-term contract they both sign for will exceed their true value.....

Showcasing CuJo is the best for every party involved.... CuJo deserves to end his career on a high note and it's more apparent that he wont be returning back to the Yotes next year regardless.. He has some redeemable value.. perhaps they can 'net a decent goalie prospect in return for him.. that would be a "win-win" situation.....

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

You can get 50% off the $55 Coyotes tickets for Tuesday home games at ticketmaster.com. Just use the code HATTRICK.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/tfdbyo?dma_id=359

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Defenseman Matt Jones was recalled today from the AHL. Boynton is day to day with a minor leg injury.

http://www.phoenixcoyotes.com/news/story_details.php?ID=5612

 

[Scott MS]

Nice shut-out against Columbus, 3-0. Either the Coyotes are moving up or Cujo is raising his value.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

PHOENIX COYOTES
They've got Ladislav Nagy to move because he's an unrestricted free agent and they'll take a young offensive prospect for him. Goalie Curtis Joseph might be a possibility as an insurance policy in Dallas behind Turco. Captain Shane Doan is in the same boat as Smyth -- about to be unrestricted but looking for a big buck. Doan may need a change of scenery and he's never been on a team that's a real Cup threat. If they could get a first-rounder for him or a top wing prospect, maybe they move him and see what happens in July, if they can sign him then. Teams are calling about Nick Boynton on defence, but they'd like to keep him.

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald...1ef2cb-f2e5-462e-a8ed-7e82761114c1&k=6135&p=4

I'd definately look to trade Nagy and Cujo to the highest bidder, and Doan could be had for the right price. Doan would probably bring in the best return. I'd rather deal Derek Morris than Nick Boynton, the Coyotes desperately need his physical presence.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Joseph said he would like to stay with Phoenix but added he wouldn't stand in the way of a deal if it was "a perfect fit for his family" (aka a trade back to Toronto) and the Coyotes could get a first-round draft pick for him.

"If this team were to get a first-round draft pick (in exchange), I'd drive myself to the airport," Joseph said.


Before making any trades, the Coyotes likely will announce one or more re-signings.

There are indications that negotiations with the agents for Perreault, center Mike Zigomanis, and goaltender Mikael Tellqvist are going well.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coyotes/articles/0210coyotesnb0210.html

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

CBC in Canada said that contract talks between Nagy and the Coyotes were disastrous and that it is guaranteed he will be moved by the deadline. They also mentioned that Cujo is garnering some interest from a couple teams.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Patrick Fischer is out for the rest of the season after having abdominal surgery. Its a shame, he performed well when he played but unfortunately had a host of different injuries. Hopefully he will be 100% in time for next season.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

According to Barnett, the Coyotes will look to vamp up their forwards group between now and the start of next season, with Barnett wanting to add "four good forwards."

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/84195

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Jovo will definitely not play tonight, and the team may shut him down for a while since the Coyotes aren't going anywhere so his nagging injuries can heal. Scatchard may also not play for the rest of the season as he is experiencing problems after suffering a concussion.

Nolan reportedly is interested in being moved to a contending team, but is also interested in re-signing with the Coyotes. What a great deal it would be for Phoenix if they could trade him to a playoff team and then re-sign him this summer, similar to what happened with Doug Weight and Mark Recchi last year.

 

[Mulli]

I wish the Yotes would trade for Doug Weight.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

As it turns out, Jovo is playing tonight. I'm not sure this is a wise decision with the season already over.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Rumor is Georges Laraque will be traded to Pittsburgh if he decides to waive his no trade clause.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

Rumor is Georges Laraque will be traded to Pittsburgh if he decides to waive his no trade clause.

Kind of sucks for us, but the Kid needs some protection.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

One day before the trade deadline and Barnett has been very quiet which is strange because he makes trades like they're going out of style. It still should be an interesting 24 hours as Nolan, Laraque, Cujo, Adams, and several more still seem to be available.

Coach and managing partner Wayne Gretzky indicated last week Phoenix would look to make deals involving forward Owen Nolan and goalie Curtis Joseph, and is aggressively shopping Georges Laraque, who hasn’t been nearly the physical presence the Coyotes want him to be.

Fourth-line center Kevyn Adams, who Phoenix acquired just seven weeks ago from Carolina for defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, is also a strong possibility to be traded as is defenseman Nick Boynton. Adams has drawn interest from Buffalo, where he grew up, and Minnesota.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/84786

 

[Nick C]

The coverage for tonights game is annoying. I don't really care for Todd Walsh in the first place and they are showing more of him than the game.

Concentrate on the freaking game get rid of the stupid picture in picture!
The coverage makes me want to change the channel.

/end of rant

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

The coverage for tonights game is annoying. I don't really care for Todd Walsh in the first place and they are showing more of him than the game.

Concentrate on the freaking game get rid of the stupid picture in picture!
The coverage makes me want to change the channel.

/end of rant

Yeah, it took about two minutes for me to be pissed off about the picture in picture.

 

[Nick C]

The coyotes are on the power play so lets switch to Todd in the TV truck eating cookies

Nice goal by Ballard