Free Agency Update for the Coyotes

Two weeks ago yesterday the Free Agent market opened with a whimper. The biggest agent out there remains on the market (Ilya Kovalchuk). Unfortunately though, the Phoenix Coyotes lost one of their best defensemen when Zbynek Michalek signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Now the Coyotes are stuck trying to fill Michalek’s spot. Luckily they managed to re-sign Derek Morris for four years (contract worth $11 million).

However, the Coyotes have made a bit of a splash in the market since July first.

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Tags: Andrew Ebbett, Brandon Gormley, Derek Morris, Ilya Kovalchuk, Lee Stempniak, Martin Hanzal, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ray Whitney, Sami Lepisto, Scottie Upshall, Taylor Pyatt, Zbynek Michalek

Coyotes Draft for the Future

This past weekend the Los Angeles Kings and NHL put on the 2010 NHL Draft. Fortunately I went to the draft Friday and Saturday.

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Tags: Brampton Battalion, Brandon Gormley, Elitserien, Louis Domingue, Mark Visentin, Moncton Wildcats, Montreal Canadiens, Niagra IceDogs, Oscar Lindberg, Philip Lane, Phoenix Coyotes, Quebec Remparts, Skelleftea J20

Fanball Mock Draft, Coyotes’ Second Pick of Round One

Currently the Fanball NHL Network is paricipating in a mock a draft since the NHL draft is this weekend.

The Phoenix Coyotes held two picks in the first round. With the 13th overall pick, the Coyotes selected Nick Bjugstad (in the mock draft).

Now, with the 22nd overall pick, the Phoenix Coyotes select…

Jarred Tinordi

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Tags: Jarred Tinordi, mock draft, NHL, Phoenix Coyotes, Zbynek Michalek

Fanball NHL Mock Draft, Coyotes’ Pick

Currently the Fanball NHL network is participating in mock draft since the NHL draft is this weekend.

With the 13th overall pick, the Phoenix Coyotes select…

Nick Bjugstad

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Tags: NHL, Nick Bjugstad, Phoenix Coyotes, Shane Doan

Ice Edge Furthering Purchase Process

Yesterday the City of Glendale called an emergency meeting to discuss the Ice Edge Holdings’ Memorandum of Understanding (or MOU).

March 30, 2009 - Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America.

Ice Edge wanted exclusivity, and Glendale granted them that. Now, the City council will vote on Tuesday on an arena plan.

In the deal, Ice Edge would purchase the Phoenix Coyotes for $180 million (if Glendale decides to sell). Additionally, Ice Edge would impose new ticket prices as well as parking fees for games and other events held at Jobing.com Arena. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: City of Glendale, Ice Edge Holdings, Phoenix Coyotes

Congratulations to Don Maloney, Recipient of GM Award

Today the NHL announced the winner of the inaugural General Manager award. Don Maloney beat out Washington Capitals‘ G.M. George McPhee and Nashville Predators‘ G.M. David Poile.

A panel of 30 general managers, five NHL executives, and five members of the media voted on the award.

Maloney brought hockey back to the desert. He resurrected a team that long ago fell into a rut. The Phoenix Coyotes made the playoffs and went seven games against the Detroit Red Wings. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Don Maloney, Nashville Predators, Phoenix Coyotes, Washington Capitals

Coyotes Drama in a Nut Shell

Throughout the past month the Phoenix Coyotes saga seemed to return to the place it was a year ago: in turmoil and distress. Would the Coyotes remain in Glendale or would they return to Winnipeg?

Almost a month since the new problems arose, Gary Bettman assured Coyotes’ fans that the Coyotes will play in Glendale, at least for the 2010-2011 season.

Yet, the City of Glendale had to step up to the plate before the assurance could occur. The National Hockey League demanded the city cover up to $25 million in losses over the next year. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Detroit Red Wings, Gary Bettman, Phoenix Coyotes

Free Agents: Keep or Let Go?

In the midst of writing this free agency report, rumors appeared on the scene that Jerry Reinsdorf may back out of purchasing the Coyotes. If he does back out, the City of Glendale already attempted to bring Ice Edge Holdings as a backup plan. For more read Darren Dreger’s blog on TSN. Scott Burnside had a great article on ESPN about this situation.

After reconstructing the Phoenix Coyotes, Don Maloney faces another stressful offseason. This time, 13 players are up for free agency. Many of these players need to receive new contracts with Phoenix, but a few do not.

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Tags: Adrian Aucoin, Daniel Winnik, Derek Morris, Don Maloney, Lee Stempniak, Martin Hanzal, Mathieu Schneider, Matthew Lombardi, Phoenix Coyotes, Robert Lang, Sami Lepisto, Scottie Upshall, Taylor Pyatt, Wojtek Wolski, Zbynek Michalek

Don Maloney Up for GM Award

Today Don Maloney became a finalist for the new General Managers award. He joins George McPhee (Washington Capitals) and David Poile (Nashville Predators).

After everything Maloney did for the Phoenix Coyotes this year, he almost seems a sure-thing to win this honor. Essentially, he built a team from the ground up.

Then, that team went on to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. And they nearly beat the Detroit Red Wings in a seven-game series in the first round.

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Tags: David Poile, Don Maloney, George McPhee, Nashville Predators, Phoenix Coyotes, Washington Capitals

An Amazing Season, But Unfortunate Ending for Coyotes

Tonight the amazing run of the Phoenix Coyotes came to an early end. As the Detroit Red Wings ousted the Coyotes from the playoffs in game seven of the 2010 Western Conference Quarterfinals.

The playoffs ended prematurely for the Coyotes, but the team gave Arizona something to love and look forward to next season.

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Tags: Dave Tippett, Detroit Red Wings, Don Maloney, Jack Adams Trophy, Phoenix Coyotes