Arizona Coyotes Roundtable: Season Wrap-Up
The 2014-2015 season for the Arizona Coyotes came to a merciful end on Saturday evening at Gila River Arena.
For the Coyotes, it was a season of great disappointment. It was the lowest point total for the organization since the Coyotes moved to Phoenix from Winnipeg before the 1996-1997 season.
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With the season now in the past, we take a look at the season as a whole with the latest edition of the Roundtable. How about we get things started?
"HeatWaved: Despite their poor season, this team did have its share of good moments. Who was your MVP from this season?"
Guillermo Salcido: My MVP for the season has to go to Oliver Ekman-Larsson. He led all NHL D-men in goals and along with his showing in the All-Star Skills Challenge, has used the 2014-2015 season as a coming out party. Now that people are aware of OEL in Glendale, look for his game to reach new heights.
Richard Duflo: Ekman-Larsson, hands down. He entered elite status this season. He was just the best player on the ice for the Coyotes by far.
There are players that can be pieces to add to a rebuild, and then there are players that are built around. OEL is someone to build around. Don’t be surprised if he’s wearing the “C” on his jersey after Shane Doan leaves or retires.
"HW: Who was your biggest surprise?"
GS: My biggest pleasant surprise has to be Tobias Rieder. In what seems to be a flurry of bad decisions, the Oilers sent him to Arizona and he’s been nothing short a spark plug. The 22-year old from Germany has a bright future and has shown that he’s capable of Top six minutes during the rebuild process.
RD: Rieder. This rookie was exciting to watch. He played really well on both sides of the ice and showed that he will be a solid piece in the rebuilding efforts.
"HW: Who was your biggest disappointment?"
GS: The biggest disappointment on a performance level would have to be Martin Erat, who only found the back of the net nine times in 79 games this season. However, the inability for Martin Hanzal to stay healthy really derailed a potentially productive season from his part.
RD: Erat. He drove me nuts this season. He made bad plays in both zones and took too many bad penalties. Really, the only upside that he provided, was helping the Coyotes earn a top three draft pick.
"HW: What’s the first thing this team must address this offseason?"
GS: The first thing that has to be addressed during the offseason is finding a way to score. The Coyotes were 29th in the NHL with 2.01 goals per game and at times they depend on their top line to score, which doesn’t happen at times. The Coyotes need to search for depth scoring.
RD: Offense, offense and more offense. Their leading goal scorer was a defenseman. Granted, he is an elite player, but still a defenseman nonetheless.
They have some top quality prospects that should bring some offense. So, they don’t have to look too far for it. Players like Sam Gagner, Mikkel Boedker and Rieder should also get better (score more) when surrounded by those highly skilled prospects.
"HW: Predict a big move that the Coyotes will make this summer."
GS: I believe that the Coyotes will make a play for free agents Matt Beleskey and Mike Green during the offseason, both of whom are vastly useful on the offensive end. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Coyotes made a call to Toronto to inquire about the services of Phil Kessel.
RD: The Coyotes don’t have a big payroll, so, they won’t be pursuing any top free agents. I expect them to go after a veteran blue line guy or a veteran center. I doubt they will make any big splashes this offseason.