Official Coyotes 2019-2020 Roster Discussion Thread #4

[XX]

Kessel dictated a move to AZ and his buddy Tocchet endorsed him. Then he shows up and plays like this. My impression of Phil has been forever altered.

 

[Canis Latrans]

He's just a step too slow now it would seem. His minutes are those of a first-liner, yet his production is at that of a fourth-liner. I think most would accept that his play has dropped off and be alright with him dropping down in the line-up to play on the third or fourth line, but it's frustrating seeing others losing out on those minutes after putting up much higher rates of scoring. I'm less frustrated with Kessel himself in this case, and much, much more frustrated that Tocchet continually deploys the team this way. To top it all off, his timing on the powerplay is so slow that the puck often dies there or the defense gets to reset when he gets his touches, negating any quick passing that has occurred up that point. Just swap him out with some one like Schmaltz already.

I should note that it's possible the guys getting lesser minutes won't maintain that level of production were they to be given more minutes because of a several variables such as matchups and being fit enough to maintain that level of effort, but I still think it'd be a positive effect overall after such a change-up.

 

[XX]

I should note that it's possible the guys getting lesser minutes won't maintain that level of production were they to be given more minutes because of a several variables such as matchups and being fit enough to maintain that level of effort, but I still think it'd be a positive effect overall after such a change-up.

Any line Kessel is on has to be sheltered 5v5. Swapping him out for Vinnie or Fischer full time would be a net positive. Potentially a huge one.

A real coach would have had the balls to scratch him, not constantly reward him with OT and PP time.

Kessel is barely outproducing Stepan, Fischer, and Richardson 5v5, despite the latter two playing pretty much exclusively in a defensive role. It cannot be overstated how f***ing pathetic that is.

 

[PG Canuck]

Where is Hayton expected to slot in once back?

 

[Prarievarg]

Where is Hayton expected to slot in once back?

Next to Grabs in the press box

 

[Turin]

This is the exact Kessel I was worried about getting and I was criticized for being too negative on this board. He's made a bunch of money. He's won cups playing with two centers better than anyone he will ever play with here. Throw in the mild climate that seems to make everyone softer when they get here and you have pretty high odds that we were going to get huge fall off in play. I don't know if Tocc being friends with him can help motivate him enough to turn it around or if that friendship makes it worse. Would be nice if he was at least a PP specialist though. I don't think that's too much to ask.

Those things are probably factors, but the main thing is that he’s not a very fit professional athlete aging past 30. The extremely fast reflexes that gave him the advantage earlier are rapidly deteriorating. He doesn’t accelerate as fast, pass as fast, release the puck as fast. Combine that with a game that’s already one-dimension and... yea.

 

[Fuhrious]

I said this in the GDT, but every time I see Aho it kills me that Keller hasnt managed a similar career trajectory. It seems like every year, Carolina has asked a little bit more of Aho and every year he steps up. He's not necessarily a superstar but he's a cornerstone player on that team, seemingly a big fan and broadcaster favorite, and most importantly...I cant recall a single Hurricanes game I've watched where he was invisible the entire 60 minutes. I'm sure he has a bad game now and then, I'm just saying I havent seen one personally.

I'd kill for a young player like that on Arizona's roster. It seems like we have the raw materials, but never manage the finished product.

 

[Jakey53]

Will Kessel join the likes of Tony Amonte, Olli Jokinen, and Mike Ribeiro?

I think he has already joined.

 

[Fuhrious]

Sad to say, I think GMJC should look at trading Grabner by the TDL. He is either nursing something too minor to require an injury report, or has found himself in the inescapable vortex known as RT's doghouse and is getting chain-scratched. Whether I agree with RT's decision or not, it's stupid to pay Grabner $3.3m to be the 13th man when Chaput could do it at a quarter of the salary.

 

[Mosby]

I think fans just need more patience with young players. Look how long it took Huberdeau to become the player he is, for example.

 

[Jakey53]

Even if if his signing bonus is paid, and I'm throwing in an absolutely free Antti Raanta. And I'm talking to Ottawa?

If Raanta stays healthy for the rest of the year, I think I would keep him. Next year we have to keep on moving forward, probably without Hall, so we will need outstanding goal tending, so I keep both. The D will have to be revamped, probably adding Soderstrom but who goes will be interesting. Up front will be the bigger question as we have to get bigger and more physical. Whatever happens, the players need someone that is better than RT as coach. I think for the most part the vets like RT because he plays them regardless of how they are playing, but the young ones I'm not so sure. This team has to make the playoffs this year, and if not and there are no changes, that just sends the wrong message

 

[rt]

I think fans just need more patience with young players. Look how long it took Huberdeau to become the player he is, for example.

I still think there’s hope for Keller and Schmaltz. I think both would benefit from a new coaching staff. I think Keller especially needs some new voices around him. We’ve put him in the hands of Tocchet and MacLean and Housley and it’s just not working.

 

[rt]

Is there a center in the NHL that’s like OEL? Tons of early promise, still in his prime, but he’s lost his game, and his contract is suddenly concerning?

I can think of Ryan Johansen. Is there anyone else that comes to mind?

I’d be open to a OEL for RyJo swap. Not sure how much it would need to be expanded to get Nashville interested. Or if they ever would be.

Anyone else?

 

[hbk]

Is there a center in the NHL that’s like OEL? Tons of early promise, still in his prime, but he’s lost his game, and his contract is suddenly concerning?

I can think of Ryan Johansen. Is there anyone else that comes to mind?

I’d be open to a OEL for RyJo swap. Not sure how much it would need to be expanded to get Nashville interested. Or if they ever would be.

Anyone else?

He’s a bit of a project but Sam Reinhart definitely needs to get out of Buffalo. Same with Middlestadt.

 

[Jakey53]

I think fans just need more patience with young players. Look how long it took Huberdeau to become the player he is, for example.

Huberdeau had the sophomore jinx, but other than than he has been very good, but you are right, we have to be patient, but the culture has to change, and we have to expect to make the playoffs most years.

 

[rt]

He’s a bit of a project but Sam Reinhart definitely needs to get out of Buffalo. Same with Middlestadt.

Don’t see OEL waiving for Buffalo. Reinhart hasn’t played center since junior. I’m not super interested in another Galchenyuk/Schmaltz winger/center hybrid experiment style situation. I’d want a center.

 

[hbk]

Don’t see OEL waiving for Buffalo. Reinhart hasn’t played center since junior. I’m not super interested in another Galchenyuk/Schmaltz winger/center hybrid experiment style situation. I’d want a center.

Oh definitely not for OEL.

 

[Jakey53]

Is there a center in the NHL that’s like OEL? Tons of early promise, still in his prime, but he’s lost his game, and his contract is suddenly concerning?

I can think of Ryan Johansen. Is there anyone else that comes to mind?

I’d be open to a OEL for RyJo swap. Not sure how much it would need to be expanded to get Nashville interested. Or if they ever would be.

Anyone else?

I keep OEL.

 

[Jakey53]

Oh definitely not for OEL.

OEL gets a bad rap around here.

 

[rt]

I keep OEL.

OEL+Soderberg for Johansen+Hamhuis

Hall-Johansen-Garland
Keller-Dvorak-Schmaltz
Crouse-Hayton-Kessel
Grabner-Stepan-Vinny
Fischer, Richardson

Chychrun-Hjalmarsson
Hamhuis-Goligoski
Oesterle-Demers
Lyubushkin

Kuemper
Raanta

 

[Jamieh]

I dont see any reason Nashville trades their present 1st line center to get themselves what would be their 2nd pairing D?

 

[The Feckless Puck]

OEL gets a bad rap around here.

...yeah, from his stat line.

 

[Jakey53]

...yeah, from his stat line.

Go to a game and watch him. He does so much more than what you see on TV.

 

[Jamieh]

Go to a game and watch him. He does so much more than what you see on TV.

While I do kinda agree with you Jakey I don't see a number 1D for over $8 million and the years wont make that look better imo.

 

[Vinny Boombatz]

He’s a bit of a project but Sam Reinhart definitely needs to get out of Buffalo. Same with Middlestadt.

Mittelstadt isn't in Buffalo, he's in Rochester