The Phoenix Coyotes Re-Vitalization Effort
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by Pbcoyotes
> > > "We have to create a new culture." > > Don Maloney, quoted in the Arizona Republic
For the past few seasons, the Phoenix Coyotes knew that they needed to fill holes in their hockey club. Before the arrival of prospects Peter Mueller, Martin Hanzal, Keith Yandle, Blake Wheeler, Kyle Turris, and so on, the foundation of the Coyotes rested on a small number of returning players paired with high priced veterans that were past their prime.
Not only did the Coyotes hire players that could not help the team long term, they also focused on those that could add a bit of nostalgia such as Brett Hull being able to wear his father's retired number 9 (that Bobby wore with the Winnipeg Jets) or Jeremy Roenick, when he helped lead the Coyotes to the playoffs in the late 1990s.
They sacrificed their development system to win and by viewing the past four seasons (with a lockout to break the monotony), the franchise flirted with life support.
When it comes to the culture of the Phoenix Coyotes, leaning heavily on younger players will not be the short term answer either. The process will take a long time allowing these players to mature and to deal with the nuances of the NHL game. Therefore, there is a need for quality veterans that are willing to teach and to show others the ropes.
Don Maloney advocates a similar balance as well:
> "Rebuilding, yes, but you still need veterans in the mix, and you can't stray away from that by giving a lot of money to get one guy, who may or may not help for that one-season quick fix"
I am positive that Kevyn Adams could be the player that fills the role of showing a team what could happen if the stars align correctly. A veteran of two Stanley Cup finals, and winning the Cup with his last appearance with the Carolina Hurricanes, he is in a unique position to share what those experiences were like.
Putting Adams on waivers along with Nick Boynton, was a misstep by Maloney. I don't think a huge money player is needed to come in here to propel the team forward but a balanced team is necessary.
Aside from the decision to try and cut Adams and Boynton loose, Maloney has stuck to a specific game plan and has not allowed any outside force to influence a change of tactics. I'm impressed with his focus.
Even though the casual fan will most likely be frustrated at the direction, in the long run, these initial decisions will play out positively for the fans in the Valley.
