Phoenix Coyotes: 33-21-9, 75 pts, 4th in West, 2nd in Pacific
Status: Passive Buyers
If the Coyotes were a bit more stable financially, I’d have them as very active buyers, considering that they are very nicely situated in the upper half of the Western Conference playoff race. However, given that they don’t really have the money to be adding a whack of salary to their lineup, any moves they make will likely be minor at best.
As always, the Yotes have had their success due to strong play in their own end and in net, with less of a focus on goal-scoring. If they were to have any specific wants, it would certainly be up front, where Ray Whitney is the team’s highest scoring forward. Keith Yandle is the team’s leading point-getter and is having himself quite the year, but the Coyotes have done pretty well for themselves with a well-balanced attack.
Still, with Radim Vrbata the team leader in goals with just 16, the Coyotes would certainly love to add some legitimate goal scoring to the lineup for the playoffs. Whether they are able to do that or not remains to be seen. Back in January, they dealt forward Wojtek Wolski to the Rangers for defenseman Michal Roszival, a move that has worked out well for the club, but they could definitely use a scoring winger to help supplement their offense.
When Marco Sturm was placed on waivers by the Kings earlier this week, I thought he might be a good fit in Phoenix, but apparently the Coyotes didn’t think so, as he was claimed instead by the Washington Capitals. However it plays out, Phoenix will still be a tough out for anyone in the playoffs, given their commitment to team defense and strong net play from Ilya Bryzgalov.
