NHL Season Preview: Phoenix Coyotes

Phoenix Coyotes


Last Season's standings: record- 38-39-5 for 81 points. The Coyotes finished in the 5th and final place in the Pacific Division and 12th in the Western Conference.

In: Nick Boynton D (via trade w/ Boston Bruins); Ed Jovanovski D (prev. team: Vancouver Canucks); Mike Morrison G (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Jeremy Roenik F (prev. team: LA Kings); Georges Laraque F (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Oleg Saprykin F; Phillipe Sauve G; Matthew Spiller D; Don MacLean F (prev. team: Detroit Red Wings); Mike Zigomanis F (prev. team: St. Louis Blues); David LeNevue G; Mike Comrie F; Ladislav Nagy F; Owen Nolan F (prev. team: Toronto Maple Leafs)

Out: Paul Mara D (via trade w/ Boston Bruins); Mike Johnson F (via trade w/ Montreal Canadiens); Geoff Sanderson F (new team: Phildelphia Flyers); Jamie Rivers D (new team: St. Louis Blues)

Season Outlook: Good. The Coyotes head into the season having snagged Ed Jovanovski away from the Panthers and the Canucks with an irresistable offer. They are also taking a chance on Owen Nolan and his surgically repaired knee. Nick Boynton will add much neeed depth to the blueline, while Laraque will provide size and protection up front. In net, the Coyotes are solid with CuJo going to be starting the majority of the games this season. He will need to be sharp if the Coyotes are to go anywhere this season. Roenik is looking to rebound from an awful season last year, including missing significant time with a broken finger. At center, the Coyotes are solid w/ 4 proven players at the position. This team will challenge for one of the final playoff spots.

Season Prediction: The Coyotes will take 4th in the Pacific Division, 10th in the Western Conference.