Phoenix Coyotes And GM Don Maloney Close to New Contract

Dec 15, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes left wing Ray Whitney (13) receives a commemorative poster from general manager Don Maloney for 600 career assists prior to the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

According to a report and multiple sources, the Phoenix Coyotes are close to giving general manager Don Maloney a new contract, this was told to Fox Sports Arizona. This is good news for Coyotes fans because Maloney has brought the team into prominence in three seasons also dealing with the lowest payroll. Another reason why this is good news because Maloney’s contract was set to expire on June 30th.

According to Don Maloney, he stated that the Coyotes finished with the lowest payroll in the Western Conference which is $49 million and the second lowest in the NHL, with only the New York Islanders spending less and making the playoffs this season. With Maloney now in the fold, the NHL can now move onto other things with this franchise as the league is the team’s current owner. Also sources say that head coach Dave Tippett is next to work out a deal. Tippett’s contract also expires on June 30th.

Tippett is the right coach for this team and the proof is there from the last three seasons. Tippett said, “I know that this is not going to be a cap-busting team, but to me, if you build it right, you give yourself an opportunity to be a good team and then there are chances where an owner says, ‘OK, we can expand (payroll) a little because you’ve earned the right to expand a little.”

Once the Coyotes lock up Tippett, they can focus their attention on goalie Mike Smith who wants a long term deal between $6 million and $7 million per year. If I’m management, you lock up Smith because you do not want another team to snatch him up because then you will have another Ilya Bryzgalov situation on your hands.

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