Rumor: Craig Morgan: Coyotes Looking for “Gritty” 5-7 D

[rt]

Coyotes best writer Craig Morgan (who only reports what he’s told by the team) is a rock solid source. In his latest article in The Athletic he wrote:

“Even when Hjalmarsson returns, the Coyotes may be in the market for another defenseman. Two sources said the Coyotes are exploring the possibility of adding a defenseman with a combination of grit and skill who could join the depth chart as a third-pair or No. 7 option.”

The article goes on to say they need a heavier presence at the bottom of their blueline and their current 5-7 options are pushed around too easily.

Neutral Zone: Hjalmarsson is on the mend, but Coyotes may... Neutral Zone: Hjalmarsson is on the mend, but Coyotes may need more defensive depth

So as I look at the bottom of the standings, the first name I see is Dylan McIlrath in Detroit. Then there’s Kurtis McDermid in LA. Finally I see Nick Seeler in Minnesota.

Thoughts on those three names? Are there any others we should be looking at? Who else fits the bill?

Click to read more...

 

[Beauner]

Please?

 

[mclaren55]

I don't think the Flyers are interested in trading him. Seems like he is well loved in the city.

 

[Rich Nixon]

Hit you with a free Hagg if you want it.

 

[Esq]

Brent Seabrook for a potted cactus. Actually just the pot is fine.

 

[Vachon23]

Christian Frolin ?

 

[Mike Jones]

They could have had John Gilmour for free.

Just sayin'.

 

[Snowpants]

Matt Benning he can hit and (some how) get points so there you go???

 

[The Macho King]

 

[ThankGord]

McIlrath is definitely gritty, doesn't really contribute anything offensively but he's pretty decent defensively and he protects his teammates. Detroit is thin on D with all the injuries we have so I don't think we can afford to move him at the moment.

 

[rt]

I don't think the Flyers are interested in trading him. Seems like he is well loved in the city.

I didn’t want to use that word for this reason but it’s the one the writer chose. As I posted the thread I wished he’d used “physical” instead. But then there’d be jokes about D existing in the incorporeal realm, etc.

 

[LMFAO]

Matt Benning he can hit and (some how) get points so there you go???

Benning for Grabner ?

 

[rt]

McIlrath is definitely gritty, doesn't really contribute anything offensively but he's pretty decent defensively and he protects his teammates. Detroit is thin on D with all the injuries we have so I don't think we can afford to move him at the moment.

I could see one of Ness or Lyubushkin going back the other way.

 

[bernmeister]

Brendan Smith. 4.35 expires after next season
Rangers will retain half = 2.175.
If nec, you can later bury in minors, or, deal retained one more time (half of that on remaining balance of term) if you need to recover roster/cap space.
shoots left, plays either, but can also do 4LW
has grit and not much else
Cond 7th only demanded.
Rangers want to make space for other D.

 

[Malkinstheman]

Heres comes everyone with their overpaid, bad bottom pair D

 

[neelynugs]

can we sell john moore as gritty? kevan miller fits the bill but i wouldn't trade him personally.

 

[HSF]

Boro is perfect and is a pending ufa and wouldn't cost much

 

[Gardner McKay]

You guys can have one gently used Marc Staal for free. Since we are entering the holiday season and I am feeling generous, we will even send a 3rd your way. No need to send anything to us.

Please? Pretty please?

 

[McSuper]

Manning may fit your team needs . Larsson if the offer was right

 

[Help]

Submitted for your approval: Meet Karl Alzner

 

[sufferer]

Bogosian for Crouse

 

[Flying Dego]

I can't think of a better way to attract every other teams garbage defenseman. 'Gritty 5-7' well as others said from the Pens - Jack Johnson.

He's a 'gritty' crease clearer, excellent pk'er, and a #6 dman. He's signed for a few more years so security and he's worn an A so leadership qualities as well... It'll be tough to persuade us but for the right pick/prospect he can be all yours.

 

[ThankGord]

I could see one of Ness or Lyubushkin going back the other way.

I think there would need to be some extra incentive for Detroit, maybe a late round pick. McIlrath has a lot of fans in Detroit and Grand Rapids but I don't think he's untouchable.

 

[One Winged Angel]

Marc Staal and Brendan Smith are available for free...

 

[ponder719]

Give Philly a call. We have a spare 7th D. Let's Häggle.