Arizona Coyotes Position Review: Defensemen

The Arizona Coyotes finished off the 2014-2015 season with the 29th best record in the NHL. Part of that may be attributed to the fact that they ranked among the bottom five teams in goals against per game and shots on goal against per game.

Earlier this week, we reviewed the state of Coyotes forwards and today we’ll put an emphasis on the Arizona defensemen. The 2014-2015 season saw Keith Yandle and Zbynek Michalek depart Glendale, while the Coyotes ended the year with one of the youngest blue line units in the NHL.

Apr 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) skates against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

One can’t start a discussion about Arizona D-men without mentioning Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The 23-year-old led the NHL D-men with 23 goals and 10 power play goals. Ekman-Larsson led the Coyotes in average time on ice and also ranked among the top 10 in the NHL with 25:12 minutes per game.

The lone All-Star for Arizona in Colmubus this year, Ekman-Larsson enjoyed a successful skills challenge.

Arizona’s dependence on Ekman-Larsson only grew as the season wore on. He took over as the leader of the power play once Yandle was traded to New York. An impressive example of endurance for the young Swede was the he played in all 82 games this season. Look for the Coyotes to lean on their new face of the franchise for the near future.

Apr 9, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone (26) skates against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Ekman-Larsson’s partner, Michael Stone, directly benefited from the trade deadline deals. Stone would be inserted on the 1st blue line pairing and ended the season with more than 20 minutes of average ice time. The 24-year-old had a career high 15 assists in the 2014-2015 season.

Stone is under contract for one more season and will look to break out playing alongside Ekman-Larsson. Stone’s durability was also shown this season as he was second on the Coyotes with most games played (81).

Apr 9, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Klas Dahlbeck (34) awaits start play against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Klas Dahlbeck was acquired in the trade that sent Antoine Vermette to Chicago. The 23-year-old played sparingly in Chicago, only hitting the ice on four occasions for the Blackhawks. After the acquisition, Dahlbeck suited up for every game during his tenure with the Coyotes (19).

The rookie flirted with his first goal in Glendale, but couldn’t find it as he finished the season with three assists. Dahlbeck played more than 19 minutes per game for Arizona and is a restricted free agent this summer. Dahlbeck has come at an affordable price and could likely return for next season.

Mar 24, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman John Moore (17) shoots the puck in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

John Moore was acquired in the trade that sent Keith Yandle to the Rangers. Many see the prized acquisition for the Coyotes to be Anthony Duclair. However, in his short time in Arizona, Moore provided an offensive boost to lighten the load off of Ekman-Larsson.

In 19 games, Moore chipped in with a goal and 4 assists. The 24-year old made his debut when he was 20 years old and has acquired some experience along the way. Moore is a restricted free agent this summer with another affordable contract. If Arizona is committed to building the team on youth, Moore is a smart option to provide some offense.

Dec 20, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Connor Murphy (5) checks Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Clifford (13) in the second period of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Connor Murphy was the youngest Arizona defenseman at 22 years old. Murphy just celebrated his 22nd birthday last month, meaning he spent most of the season as a 21-year old. Murphy’s young age allow him time to develop into a formidable potion on the blue line.

The 2011 1st round pick has great size and played 73 games this season. Murphy is under contract for next season and will most likely man a position on the third blue line pairing, as he did in the 2014-2015 season.

Apr 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Andrew Campbell (45) during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

By the time the season came to a close, Andrew Campbell was the oldest member of the blue line unit, at 27 years old. In 33 games, Campbell acquired one assist. His game is more suited to define stay at home defenseman.

Campbell is an unrestricted free agent this summer, meaning the Coyotes have much less control on retaining his services. However, the Coyotes may have a couple of defensemen that have been waiting in the AHL for an opportunity to come to Glendale.

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Gormley’s teammate in Portland could also be an option. Philip Samuelsson was acquired in December from Pittsburgh for Rob Klinkhammer. The 23-year old Samuelsson only saw four games of action with the Coyotes.

Samuelsson spent the majority of the season with the Portland Pirates. He had five goals and 15 assists during the regular season with Portland. Samuelsson is also a restricted free agent this summer but could compete directly with Gormley for playing time.

Next: Players To Watch: D'Backs Vs. Pirates

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