I fear that we will kill our rebuild by finishing mid-pack. At least we won't have Moss to kick around anymore.
I don't think a team needs to be totally in the gutter for multiple years for a rebuild to work. We have managed to get some nice prospects picking mid round anyway to go along with last seasons trainwreck. And they have the best prospect pool the team has ever had by a considerable margin.
Plus if this team finishes mid-pack that almost certainly means some of those prospects emerged as NHLers. That would mean the Coyotes have had their best success at drafting/development to date. They don't have the vets necessary for a 2012 style run where a lot of older players have career year or renaissance . Even if Smith stands on his head again.
That's why we're being picked for last. I think they'll be slightly better then that at around 73-75 points, about 25th-26th in the league. That would be a pretty good result considering Doan/Vermette are a year older and Yandle is gone.
Don't think there will be 3 teams below 65 points like there was last year, that was a pretty big outlier compared to recent history. Little more parity amongst the non-playoff teams and a more entertaining NHL product overall.
Now if they do something stupid and "go for it" by making a dumb trade then I'll be right there with ya. But that doesn't seem like Maloney. He's never done something all that crazy regarding young assets.
Most importantly they can't be dreadfully unentertaining to watch. The 06-07 team was also 29th in the league but I'd watch that team over and over again for 5 years straight before suffering through a repeat of last season.
Z/Hanzal will be hurt as usual, Vermette/Gordon as advertised, Doan excused for old age, youth excused/blame Tip, OEL will be OEL, and Bods will be lights out (UFA year).
