Shows how quickly things can change even under a stable GM like Maloney.
They needed to change and Maloney addressed it. There's a clear delineation of purpose in that lineup. Before, they were just throwing anyone who could take a faceoff out there. I'd still like to see another top 6 center and move Brule/Chip to Gordon's wing.
No. Don't waive LaBabs under any circumstance. Those paying attention to him at the games know how terrific he is in interacting with Smith on TV breaks and after games. Some small part of Smith's success has to be related to his relationship with LaBabs.
I know that LaBabs had a bad year, but his value lies on and off the ice. Keep him and hope for a bounce back year.
I should have said buy him out! I would have no problem of him moving to a front office position, but he hampers the Coyotes and they need someone reliable to give Smith a break more often...
Tikhonov has been on waivers two or three times and gone unclaimed each time.
Tikhonov is probably a good fit for the bottom line. Good 2 way play with an inkling of offense. Although with that much time spent in the KHL you have to wonder if he still has it.
I think it's pretty clear Hanzal will be a top 6 guy, rather than the 3rd line center. Makes more sense to acquire a good winger to play with Vermette and Boedker.
Also, check is PK minutes over the years. He plays in defensive situations. F/O's seem to be 50%. PP points have topped 30pts on a couple of occasions it seems. Big PP weapon, it would seem.
With Hanzal and Gordon we only need him for 3rd PK duty. Hell, even Vermette is a good PKer. So maybe 4th PK duty? Is there a 4th PK? haha.
What would you fellas think about David Rundblad and Chris Brown to Buffalo for Derek Roy?
Gives us Roy and Vermette for Turris and Brown.
Roy-Vermette-Hanzal-Gordon ain't a bad group of centers.
I think I'd rather overpay Stoll on a one-year deal and keep Rundblad & Brown. Stoll should be good for 45 points and can center a line and if he does well he can cash in elsewhere and we can better evaluate our prospects.
I think the same thing probably goes for Lombardi. And both would help us get to the floor.
Good points. Still, we've been trying and failing at getting a top center for a decade plus. There was the Jokinen debacle. Maybe go for broke one more time?
I disagree with RT's assessment of Hanzal. I give him more credit with the season that Vrbata and Whitney has had and that line should stay together and it's about the line combinations and proving how much ice time being rewarded than a numerical value. If you are saying that you would like to see a different player centering for Doan, then maybe I'd agree. I also agree that the Coyotes don't need a 3rd - 4th line type center (unless if that player is Jordan Staal), but could use another center (Langkow's replacement)...
just saying that I prefer a 4 line balance attack with each line showing some grit, scoring ability, and chemistry...
Another couple of UFA centers are wellwood and moss.
Also, I suppose Miele is a consideration. Problem is he will only get sheltered minutes under Tippett. Is like to see him putting up a point and a half per game on the farm and leave them no choice. His stats were great but not enough to force anyone's hand.
Pyatt is great for a few games every other month. He's chosen a great time to wake up, but I don't need that kind of roller coaster to be re-signed. Maloney probably feels differently, I'll admit that.
