Morning Meltdown – Arizona Coyotes Edition

For this Morning Meltdown let’s take a look into some of the buzz surrounding the Arizona Coyotes especially the NHL expansion and the challenge they face in the Pacific.

An article featured on USA Today online explores the idea of NHL expansion and the positive it effect it will have on the lesser known teams.

"“But expansion is a concept we should all embrace, as it would provide a wonderful security blanket for the Coyotes.For now, the NHL has disputed reports that the league plans to expand to Las Vegas, Seattle, Quebec City and add a second team in Toronto by 2017. Let’s assume otherwise.Expansion is a way of generating free money for existing NHL owners. The NHL expanded by four teams from 1998-2000, adding Nashville, Atlanta, Minnesota and Columbus. Each paid an $80 million franchise fee, allowing the league to distribute nearly $12.5 million to each existing club.”"

To read the rest of the article, click here.

CBS Sports analyzes the struggle the Arizona Coyotes will face in their division,

"“The newly-rebranded Arizona Coyotes have new owners, but that didn’t lead to the team going crazy with spending this offseason. Arizona just came off its second straight season without a playoff appearance after head coach Dave Tippett had previously led the club to the postseason in three consecutive years, including a trip to the Western Conference Final in 2012.As a result, the roster doesn’t look a whole lot better than it did last season when the club finished with a 37-30-15 record, missing the playoffs by just two points. Having lost Radim Vrbata could end up hurting more than it’s been given credit for, but the Coyotes actually still have a pretty strong core, with most of it homegrown.Additionally, bringing in Sam Gagner could be a good risk-reward situation for the Coyotes. If a change of scenery is all Gagner needed to take that next step in his career and become the offensive force he was drafted to be, the Coyotes may have a key offensive performer at the center position.”"

To read the rest of the piece, click here.

For all of the latest Arizona Coyotes news, stick with us at Heat Waved and check back daily to read more about your favorite Arizona teams.