You guys had a lot of questions this month. I think this is a record. Thanks for your interest, but my editor doesn’t need any more copy to read, so let’s get right to the questions.
If the Coyotes trade a center for a scoring winger after yesterday's acquisition of Soderberg who is more likely to be moved, Stepan or Dvorak?
— No more Panik (@CoyotesAvs12) June 26, 2019
That would depend upon the deal in question. It’s difficult to guess which player a team might want, but I have been told that Dvorak has generated plenty of interest. The degree of interest is difficult to gauge, but he is a young center on a cap-friendly contract.
I’m late to the party. Do you see the Coyotes or any NHL team dropping an offer sheet on an RFA?
— Pat ☘️ (@AZviaNJviaNY) June 26, 2019
I don’t know. If ever there were a season for it, this would be it with the oodles of marquee names that could be targets, headlined by Mitch Marner, Brayden Point, Mikko Rantanen, Patrik Laine, Sebastian Aho and Matthew Tkachuk, but my hunch is that we will not see one. Between a tight cap, the likelihood of teams matching and the general distaste it creates between clubs, offer sheets are an overblown and seldom-used tool. The last time one was employed, in fact, was six years ago. I’m not sure why they still exist.
Friend of a friend wants to know how proficient are you with chopsticks?
— Ryan S. Clark (@ryan_s_clark) June 26, 2019
On a scale of 1-10, I am a zero. Then again, you did drop a shrimp or two before you got your game back.
How can that be? We only have 12 fans according to my Canadian Sources.
— Ian Hamilton (@Bigshow3145) June 26, 2019
It is a perplexing disconnect. I had hoped for an easy day.
Where does Soderstrom rank against the other D in the system?
— All AZ fan. (@shawnmurph) June 26, 2019
It’s a little too early to throw Söderström into the prospect rankings. Let’s see what he does at camp and where he plays next season. That said, he is clearly the defensive prospect in whom they place the greatest hope for elite status, given the pick they spent on him and their desire to move up to get him.
Isn’t that a good thing though? Means we’re paying attention 😏
— Mike (@mike_Benn72) June 26, 2019
It is far better than the alternative. I appreciate you, Mike.
In your opinion what does the top line for a championship caliber coyotes team look like.
— #SIGNSCORERS (@chonch_vupe11) June 26, 2019
I need more information. Are we talking about the roster as it is currently constructed? Are we talking about the best offensive line? Are we talking about a couple of years down the road? They obviously hope Barrett Hayton pans out as a top center, but the way the Coyotes are constructed makes this feel more like a win-by-committee approach than a clearly defined No. 1 line. That said, they need a few players to be difference makers, whether that is Hayton, Clayton Keller, Alex Galchenyuk, Nick Schmaltz or others.
How do you think we as fans can help grow the pack?
— Matt Smith (@Smitty1915) June 26, 2019
Create a welcoming environment for new fans and build your own communities with gatherings, communication, etc., but you guys are already doing that. Oh, and keep giving me good story ideas. Definitely do my work for me. That helps immensely.
Since it is "silly season" here is one. When you dress in the morning, do you put on both socks and then both shoes, or is it one sock and one shoe, then the other sock and shoe? #sillyseason
— 19YOTE (@john181818) June 26, 2019
Definitely both socks before any shoes. I keep my shoes in the garage. I don’t dress in the garage. That would be weird. And hot.
Your personal favorite 6 Coyotes… 1G, 2D, 2W and a Center. Combination of who they were as a player and as a person.
— Matt Smith (@Smitty1915) June 26, 2019
Man, this is hard.
Goalie: Antti Raanta. Honorable mention: Mike Smith.
Defensemen: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jason Demers. Honorable mention: Keith Yandle.
Wings: Shane Doan, Radim Vrbata. Honorable mention: Ray Whitney.
Center: Danny Briere. Honorable mention: Brad Richardson.
How does new ownership influence arena situation?
— rod benson (@rodxbenson) June 26, 2019
TBD. We haven’t even spoken to Alex Meruelo, but you can bet that anyone who comes into this situation has done some homework on the options. There are well-connected people in this community who believe there is a deal to be done.
Injury updates?
— Cindi Killian (@CindiKillian) June 26, 2019
I really cannot provide much. All I’m told is that Nick Schmaltz (knee), Kyle Capobianco (knee) and Michael Grabner (eye) are all progressing well.
Also, how if possible do you see Chayka managing the cap to maybe acquire another scoring winger or two? Is Stepan expendable? Any dark horse trade candidates on the team you see being packaged?
— Thomas Martin (@ThomasM3536) June 26, 2019
There are too many options on the table to answer that question. I would think he would explore any and every option, but I will underscore something he said the other day. They want to add without taking pieces away from their core. My suspicion is the next (and maybe only) move will be in free agency. Remember, they still have long term injured reserve on Marian Hossa’s contract as a possibility to create more cap flexibility.
I don’t think there are many untouchables on this roster, but John Chayka likes the idea of keeping his core intact and seeing what they can do with a year of better health.
Who's impressed you the most at Protect Camp, other than the obvious? Some under the radar guys.
— CochiseJack (@CochiseJack) June 26, 2019
Well, I was conducting interviews on Day 1 and I didn’t attend Day 2 due to the breaking trade news, so nobody. To be honest, development camp is more of an orientation than anything. Anybody that tells they came away with significant impressions of a player from development camp is blowing smoke. Even team officials acknowledge this.
The Scott Allen situation… he was IMO a guru with the PK, but not the PP. Can they find a role for him that entails more than the PK?
— 19YOTE (@john181818) June 26, 2019
I don’t know yet. I have been told the door is not closed on a return, but it feels unlikely. I will continue to monitor it.
Welcome back! How was the vacation? Did you do anything fun?
— Rose Ford (@RoseColoredFact) June 26, 2019
The Western Slope was beautiful, highlighted by Telluride and Ouray. We stayed a bit south of Telluride toward Durango. That became a problem when the road south was closed due to an accident. We had to take a three-plus hour detour through Ouray and then over the mountains to get back home. Don’t ever try that at night. It was Pass-of-Caradhras treacherous.
How was your vacation on the Western Slope?
— Scratch N Claw (@Dannyco131) June 26, 2019
See above. Telluride was amazing; getting home was not. We found a great rental house on a stream in a stand of aspens. It even came with a dog. And ownership news, of course.
Does the addition of another center open the door for a potential Dvorak or Stepan trade?
— Callum Kemlo (@CallumKemlo) June 26, 2019
See above. Most options are on the table, but the Coyotes are not concerned with having lots of centers. In fact, that’s the goal. Rick Tocchet believes the NHL is headed toward a time when all lines have a pair of centers to create more versatility — on face-offs and in a variety of other offensive and defensive situations.
What other realistic moves could you see the coyotes making?
— Söderström fan club (@grandy099) June 26, 2019
I could see them adding a scoring wing, but not one of the high- (perhaps over-) priced wings. Even if the players on the roster who had down years return to normalcy, and even if the young players progress, I still think this team needs an offensive shot in the arm.
As bummed as I am about Coyotes moving to the Central, will that help with the ridiculous travel at all that the schedule always seems to give them?
— Adam Olshansky (@adam17amo) June 26, 2019
I guess we’ll wait and see. They’ll still have to come back to the same place after trips and their division opponents will be farther away, for the most part.
Obviously GMJC did, but do you personally think Victor Söderström is a better prospect than Moritz Seider?
— CochiseJack (@CochiseJack) June 26, 2019
I am not a talent evaluator so I will pass on this question. I can tell you I ran into a number of NHL scouts and executives at the Vancouver airport on the way home and the general consensus was that he was a terrific pick.
Which coyote gets the “Soda” nickname: Soderberg or Soderstrom?
— Mike (@mikeglangford) June 26, 2019
Carl Söderberg is under contract for only one more year and I don’t think Victor Söderström will be on the team next season so I could see Carl passing the torch. I guess that would make him Soda Pop.
WHO IS GOOD FROM THE LAST THREE DRAFTS? WHO IS BAD?
MAKE DECISIVE 🔥🔥🔥 TAKES.
WHOSE SALARY CAN WE CONCEIVABLY TAKE ON IN THE 30 PLUS GOAL RANGE?
MAKE A FIRM IRONCLAD PREDICTION.
— Greg (@gregdunaway) June 26, 2019
I don’t respond to all-caps threats, Greg. Ask nicely.
What is the fastest animal on earth ? pic.twitter.com/3He1JeTeUX
— Kevin Stewart (@KevinPStewart) June 26, 2019
The peregrine falcon, of course.
what do u like better MILK or DARK Chocolate?
— IsItOctoberYet🍂 (@KumpsMagnificnt) June 26, 2019
Generally dark, but not when it’s mixed with peanut butter or ice cream.
How do you think the Coyotes will do the upcoming season?
— Síné Ruairí 🐱 (@JeanneRuairi) June 26, 2019
Can I answer that after their roster is set? Will they be healthy? I think they can challenge for a playoff spot. I think they need to be a playoff team. It has been too long.
What is your favorite movie? And why is it Manos: The Hands of Fate?
— Gertrude von Liechtenstein (@gertrude_von) June 26, 2019
It is not “Manos: The Hands of Fate.”
— The French Connection
— Aliens
— American Beauty
— The Shawshank Redemption
— The Green Mile
— Schindler’s List
— Fight Club
— Saving Private Ryan
— The Silence of the Lambs
— Gladiator
— Braveheart
— The Usual Suspects
— Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
— Michael Clayton (Clooney deserved more props for this)
— Kung Fu Panda
— Collateral
— The Book Thief
— Dead Poets Society
— Terminator 2
— Tombstone (Val Kilmer is awesome)
You asked for 20, right?
Any indication of increased spending for Chayka given the potential ownership change?
— Thomas Martin (@ThomasM3536) June 26, 2019
All I know is John said he has plenty of flexibility. Their cap number and their actual spending are obviously different, but they are well above the cap floor on the latter.
Can you explain the cap situation for the coyotes for me? Seems like we were in the basement and now we don’t have much cap space? Chayka says we do though?
— acm (@Acmhome71) June 26, 2019
You have to factor in long term injured reserve for Marian Hossa’s contract. If they go that route, it will create more flexibility. Here’s a good primer on LTIR: https://www.capfriendly.com/ltir-faq
Two questions. How is Kyle Capobianco progressing on his rehab? Do the Coyotes have any interest in Joonas Donskoi?
— Tim Richardson (@yotesrhungry) June 26, 2019
All I have been told is that Capobianco is progressing well. I know he worked out with rehab guru Bill Knowles earlier in the offseason. Don’t think they have interest in Donskoi.
What do you think the team as a whole (players, coaches, GM, etc.) have to do to be successful and competitive not only in the present but for seasons to come especially when they transition to the central?
— alex munney (@alex_munney) June 26, 2019
I don’t know what the Central will look like in a couple of seasons so I’m not going to speculate on that. In the simplest terms, they need their young players such as Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, Christian Dvorak, Christian Fischer, Vinnie Hinostroza and Jakob Chychrun to keep progressing, and they need their stars such as Oliver Ekman-Larsson to play at a high level. They need Barrett Hayton to pan out as a top center and they probably need more offense.
Why is Scott Allen not coming back?
— Martin McGonagle (@McGonagleMartin) June 26, 2019
The door has not closed yet on his return, although it appears unlikely. I will address that topic when it has been clarified.
What's the most unique accommodation you've stayed at while covering the Coyotes (or another team)? Any idea why the team is likely parting ways with Scott Allen? And while I'm abusing my question asking privileges, do you think Chucky gets moved this summer?
— Brandon Sparks (@Brandon__Sparks) June 26, 2019
Well, I rented a one-room, largely unfurnished apartment to cover the draft in Dallas last year. That was interesting. On the other end of the scale, the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver is one of the nicest properties I have ever seen.
I addressed Allen elsewhere (multiple times, actually).
No, I don’t think Alex Galchenyuk will be traded.
Your insight to the Coyotes draft process was amazing, made me wonder about other teams. How does their process compare to information gathering and decision making norms in other NHL front offices as it relates to drafting?
— Brett Stachler (@brettmstachler) June 26, 2019
I really can’t speak for other teams. I do think more teams are moving toward a holistic approach to evaluation, based on my conversations with other writers, but I don’t think the majority have specialists such as Brenley Shapiro in their employ.
With Alex Morello's history with land acquisition, what are your thoughts on him potentially purchasing land and then privately finance a stadium either on the east side of the valley or a downtown location? All speculative of course.
— Stephen Vice (@StephenVice) June 26, 2019
I don’t think we are going to see an arena that is completely privately funded due to interest payments on loans, property taxes and the like. We’ll see what Meruelo’s plans are once he arrives, but he has an interesting background upon which to rely for such a venture.
Anyone in the pipeline as a sleeper pick to add some offense to the team?
— Lou (@T91Kh) June 26, 2019
Not that I can see, but maybe Nick Merkley will challenge for a roster spot in the bottom six.
Is the new owner willing to help pay for a new arena?
— Stephen Rzepecki (@smr1919) June 26, 2019
I addressed this above. I don’t know yet.
Is Soderberg it for Scoring additions ?
— Domski (39-35-8) (@AZ_SZ6) June 26, 2019
We’ll see, but I suspect John Chayka has one more move coming.
Who might wind up playing in Tucson?
— 🚨thePuckStopsHere🚨 (@cj_herrick) June 26, 2019
That’s too broad of a question. Can you narrow it down for me?
I’ve been excited for capobianco for awhile. Is he on the radar for moving up to the main squad any time soon?
It was upsetting when he played like 15 minutes for the big team and then suffered a season ending injury
— Vape Ape (@BlissfulNapper) June 26, 2019
If he continues to progress in his rehab and is healthy, sure. I would think right now he would be the No. 8 defenseman, so the first call-up.
After watching the prospect camp Monday, I was very impressed with Victor. So smooth on his skates. He looked light years ahead of POJ. Are the coyotes still high on him? He's still 165lbs!! Could he bring in a scorer in a trade?
— Mike Covert (@MichaelCovert) June 26, 2019
Maybe in a package, but I still think they want to see what happens with P.O. once his body fills out. Remember, his brother, Mathieu, also took a while to fill out.
Is Soda gonna play for the Yotes this year or is going to play in Europe or college ?
— RICK (@Rickshd) June 26, 2019
I don’t know where he’ll be yet, but I am almost certain it won’t be in the NHL. They will determine that at training camp.
Do you think Galchenyuk will get another look at center this season or is winger his likely permanent spot on this roster?
— Brett Bartlett (@bartbrettlett) June 26, 2019
I doubt that will happen with all of their other options, but he will probably continue to take some draws and there are situations in the Coyotes’ system where the players are interchangeable.
The Coyotes will have a much harder time making the playoffs when they’re moved to the Central division. Change my mind
— Corey (@Rioulnsuiko) June 26, 2019
How do you know what the Central Division will look like when they arrive, based on trades, free agency, aging players, injured players, etc?
How close are we to the roster the Coyotes come to camp with? What other additions or subtractions might we see? The trade today did not add enough scoring for my tastes, I imagine you agree. Thanks for all the great work Craig your dedication is noted and appreciated by the fans
— GeoffreyTravisTwyman (@00Frosty) June 26, 2019
I would imagine they are pretty close, but there could be another move coming to add scoring and they’ll need to fill out a couple of forward spots.
There are 2 players I'm curious about. The 1st is UFA Brett Connolly. The other is Kris Kreider. Are the Coyotes interested?
— All AZ fan. (@shawnmurph) June 26, 2019
The talk among NHL executives at the draft was that John Chayka was in on almost every discussion. I believe they have had interest in Kreider in the past. Not sure on Connolly.
Has POJ progressed enough to crack the lineup this year…even with our depth at D? When they talk about bad ice at a particular venue, what are they referring to? And: in the cookie debate, where do you stand?
— Michael Kinkor (@mkinkor) June 26, 2019
I expect P.O. Joseph to play in Tucson this season.
Bad ice generally means soft or choppy ice, making the puck bounce and slowing down the game.
Sugar cookies. Oatmeal raisin and the Gila River Arena brand of chocolate chip cookies are both meh.
What are your expectations for Nick Merkely next season?
— Cam Paul (@campaul) June 26, 2019
I think he can challenge for a roster spot in the bottom six, provided he is fully healthy, which has been an issue in past seasons.
Does Barrett hayton play in the nhl this year? If so, where does he fit into the lineup
— Aden Benson (@AdenBenson1) June 26, 2019
I suspect he will make the team. They might break him in at wing to ease his entrance to the NHL. Eventually, he’ll be a center.
given the insane amount of centers we have (Schmaltz, Stepan, Soderberg, Dvorak, Richardson and Hayton) who projects to actually play down the middle?
— krak (@19krak) June 26, 2019
I don’t know yet. That is for the coaches to sort out at training camp.
Will the Yotes ever move back to more of the Central Phoenix area instead of way out of the west side? A Central location like in the beginning makes a lot more sense
— Mike (@mailmanmike86) June 26, 2019
If they move, I would expect it to be an east-side location, but you never know what a new owner might bring.
Do you think the coyotes are still going to target someone in Free Agency.
— Nyst (@Nystqt) June 26, 2019
I think so, but only if the price doesn’t get too crazy.
Now that the Yotes have Soderberg do u think Chayka will try to get Dzingel also? What about Pavelski?
— Bill Grigsby (@bgguy626) June 26, 2019
Pavelski was always a long shot and I don’t see that happening. I think there are mixed feelings about Ryan Dzingel. Let’s see what the market dictates.
But in a serious question; was it the Coyotes call or the NHL's call to put an apostrophe on the draft jerseys before the 19 – and I'm assuming this is because 19 is retired for Doaner?
— TimmyHate [He/Him] (@TimmyHate) June 26, 2019
It has to do with the draft year (2019), not Doan. It was just a nice coincidence that I exploited in a tweet.
Does Chayka re-sign Keller in the near future, or does it draw out to season's end and become the desert version of Nylander vs Dubas?
— Paul Morrison (@nonwaiverable) June 26, 2019
I don’t think there is any rush. Let’s see what Keller does to earn that contract in the first couple months of the season.
Thoughts on Phil Housley joining the coaching staff?
— c h r i s t i n a (@xtinapillsbury) June 26, 2019
He was well-respected as an assistant coach in Nashville. The Buffalo head-coaching gig obviously didn’t go well. He says he has learned from both experiences and that is generally what happens. Too many people assume that when a coach is fired — for a variety of reasons behind the simple narratives that are often spewed — he lacks ability. That argument does not allow for the possibility of growth and change. Remember, Rick Tocchet was also fired. He did a pretty good job last season in the face of all the injuries.
Am I just damaged goods from all of the other ownership deals that fell through, or is my nervousness that Meruelo and the Coyotes might not come to terms legitimate? Everyone seems to be acting like it’s a done deal but I also feel like this has happened before…
— Joe (@probably_muted) June 26, 2019
It is fair to be skeptical. It has been a long road. Everything sounds positive right now. We’ll see.
Can Clayton score 30 goals this season?
— Greg Duncanson (@manutd2203) June 26, 2019
I still see him as more of a playmaker. Thirty goals is a big number. Would you take 25 goals and 35-40 assists?
With the sale of the team to someone with more financial stability, will we see more being spent against the cap?
— Bubba (@bubba92002) June 26, 2019
I addressed this above. I don’t think the Coyotes are going to be a cap team but John Chayka insists he has flexibility.
Predicting the future sucks. Could you foresee oesterle getting more nightly minutes than goligoski if goose doesnt make a decent showing through 15ish games?
— Dangle, Snipe, Belly (@kaldareed) June 26, 2019
This is an important season for Alex Goligoski. Rick Tocchet was close to benching him at one point last season. You never know what sort of personal issues might be impacting a player but they are expecting more from Goligoski this season. They like Oesterle’s progression. Tocchet was just praising him in a conversation a few days ago.
How does soderstrom look at the camp so far?
— Sir Sloth (@Sl0thinatorr) June 26, 2019
I don’t know. I have barely watched the first two days due to interviews and the breaking trade story.
Is there any interest in the organization to rebrand using the kachina stylings? Asking for 9/10 coyotes fans
— AZKachina (@AZKachina) June 26, 2019
I doubt it. I think they like breaking them out for special occasions. I am a big fan, however.
So, what have you heard other than reported so far about the coyotes adding a “big name”? Hearing a lot of Pittsburgh and coyotes talks
— Joshua (@JoshuaKollar) June 26, 2019
I assume you are referring to Phil Kessel? If so, Pittsburgh wants to make a hockey deal for Kessel and I don’t think the Coyotes will give up much for Kessel. If the Penguins want to shed cap space, the Coyotes would love to have Kessel and Kessel would love to play for Rick Tocchet again, but that possibility still looks remote.
(Photo of Phil Kessel, left, and Darcy Kuemper, right during a January 2019 game: Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports)