Arizona Coyotes Key Players: Can Martin Erat Contribute?

Oct 3, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Martin Erat (10) tries to keep the puck away from San Jose Sharks defenseman Mirco Mueller (41) during the first period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Coyotes acquired Marin Erat at the trade dealine last year with the hope that with a change in scenery he can revitalize his career.  He came from the Washington Capitals where he failed to live up to expectations after a long 11 month drama.

The winger seemed to come around a little bit once he arrived in Arizona scoring two goals in 17 games for the Coyotes down the stretch last season.

So will Martin Erat catch on in Arizona?

The right winger thrived in Nashville were he spent his entire career before being traded to Washington.  He spent most of his time as a fourth liner in Washington and never seemed to fit.

Since being acquired by Arizona, Erat has shown flashes of the promise that made him a two time trade dealine acquistion but hasn’t played to the level neccessary to match the 19 goals he scored in his final season as a Nashville Predator.

If he can get anywhere close to the level he was playing with a Predators, Martin Erat could be a an impact player for the Arizona Coyotes this season. But for a player who seems to be affected so much by external forces it is hard to tell whether he will thrive with the Coyotes or turn into the malcontent he was in Washington. Hopefully Erat can turn it around and help turn the Coyotes into a playoff contender.