Welcome to the AZ Coyotes Insider newsletter. My plan is to publish stories four to six times per week. By subscribing, you’ll be supporting independent, accountable journalism. Subscribe now so you won’t miss a story. Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s defensive lapse on Colorado’s first goal was one in an avalanche of mistakes by Coyotes veterans in a 7-1 loss.
I liked Chayka, but maybe him leaving has left an opening for a mini-rebuild without the organization getting as much criticism. Colorado’s bottom was harder and more recent than Arizona’s but they already had a few young pieces to the puzzle when they bottomed out. There’s coaching issues, yes. But I think too many players aren’t meeting expectations. Did the GM acquire the wrong skill set for the coach? Was everyone just on the back 9 of their careers? Individually, theirs skill, character, leadership, but collectively it falls apart on the ice. Every veteran has digressed since coming to AZ, no high end prospect has broken out to become a star. The most dynamic and best worker is a 5th round pic that is 5’7.
Speaking of Colorado, a big piece of their rebuild was trading away highly skilled players Ryan O’Reilly and Matt Duchene. They received lots of talent in those deals. Maybe AZ should follow suit and offload some big names, not just vets that will get little return
At this point, I can't imagine Meruelo is happy paying one of the most expensive rosters in the league for this level of performance. Has their been any indication from ownership/management about what changes are anticipated? Gerard Gallant, Bruce Boudreau, and a whole bunch of younger defensemen are available...
It is so perplexing. The thing that stands out (I don’t know if it can be taught) is the lack of URGENCY, from coming to most every game unprepared from the start, and Kuemper bails them out, until finally they show up to play, Craig, you hit the nail on the head, they should be embarrassed. But I do not believe the demeanor of the “C” has the capacity to communicate it, since it seems to be missing from him. Then, these veterans, who were going to bring these younger players along looked like AHL players. Not to single him out, but where was Kessell’s vaunted playoff shot? The same could be said for others. So, what do the Coyotes do with no cap space, middle-of-the-pack (over-priced players), no guarantees versus Taylor Hall, Kessel obviously passed his prime, no high draft picks this year. It really seems like Chayka classlessly left us a pretty bare cupboard. I don’t see much room for progress. Can you help my perspective? Tocchet’s system has been tried for 3 years, good but marginal players, no star power at all (“no amount of bad eggs can make a good omelette”). Their rebuild did not work - when your GM bails on you right before the playoffs, there is an underlying message. Prospects are fair, but no where near abundant. Where do you go from here?
On wednesday we get to see if this team has even temporarily learned anything from this horrible game...if they bounce back. So many times, when they have an off game this team has come back the following game and played much better. If they come back and play phenomenal in game 5, my opinion will be more merciful. If not....well, I can only think of 4-6 players on this current squad worth keeping if the right trade/free agent becomes available.
Pre-season expectations were to make the playoffs. The team has exceeded those expectations by making playoffs and winning a game. So why does it feel so crappy?
For me, there's no shame losing to the Avs, but it's the manner in which the team lost last night. I think Craig is spot on to call out our lacklustre veterans. There is too much cap space being taken by players content to be passengers, and we are in desperate need of leaders.
It's interesting, as we typically view Arizona as an attractive destination for free agent/modified NTC signings. I wonder if this is the logical conclusion of signing veteran players who are drawn to Arizona for it's nice weather and golf courses.
I’m frustrated like everyone. Remember that season still a success with Nashville win, Darcy’s play and experience gained for younger players. So disappointed in Leadership group...Hammer with back to back penalties. OEL and Kessel have been atrocious. We didn’t play to our tenacious identity today. What would Shane Doan do to fix the Coyotes? (Subtle request for an future article Craig...please and thanks).
Late to the conversation, but wanted to add a couple of points. First, Steve Sullivan needs to ask what type of team are we? Skill, speed, veteran, heavy, defense first, run and gun? At the moment AZ has no identity beyond great goal tending. They are not fast, not offense first, not really good on defense, and lack a veteran driven focus. Losing to COL was expected, they are really good. Other than 4-5 players are there really any current Coyotes who would make the AVs lineup?
Second, it's time to move on from lack of draft luck as explanation. It's of course true, but how does that help moving forward - wait till it finally happens. Management either blows up this group in the off season and brings in younger players, or it waits till next year when there could be 25+/- of cap space and rebuild then
The Coyotes are an average team with an elite goaltender. That makeup will get you past the first round...although the Nashville series was much closer than the wins/losses illustrated. Hall is an all-star, but our only one. Colorado has three players better than him. The Coyotes will never be an annual playoff team until they get 2-3 superstars and depth.
I don't want to be overcritical of our players. Colorado is a superior team and they can come at us in waves knowing we don't have the personnel to counter punch. Its easy to play loose if you are Colorado. We have to pretty much play 'mistake-free' hockey when you are facing the shots and not generating any offence.
The problem is, I just don't see how you build this team into a contender.
I feel foolish that I already put a deposit down for next season's weekender package. Nevertheless, I agree with Steven that changes need to be made soon. Today was ugly and discouraging.
Sorry Craig, I know you are a Tocchet fan, but I put this embarrassment squarely on him. As you said, "Lack of leadership dooms". Leadership starts with the coach.
Understand we are out-talented by CO. But we aren't as bad as that loss shows us to be. And I've seen that kind of effort too many times from this team in the Tocchet era. Can't figure it out. Don't know if he just doesn't motivate, or his system is basically flawed in today's game. You can say it's lack of talent, but good coaches seem to make the best of minimal talent (Tippet being a good example). And I really thought it was bad when he blamed the players for everything and took no responsibility himself. Tocchet is a .500 coach at best, I do not believe we will ever be real contenders with him behind the bench.
This season is a success, no doubt. Made the playoffs. Hoped we could be competitive and at least win 2 games in a series. But even if that happens now, it will seem more of a fluke than a real victory. Opportunity lost. Doubt Hall will want to stick around after this debacle. And with the GM change and salary cap, I think it's time for a new coach. God I hate the thought of more rebuilding. But don't see any light in the tunnel for this team as built now.
The fact that Vinnie H is playing over Hayton drives me crazy. Vinnie should not be part of the future. He produces little to nothing. This has the chance to become Dylan Strome 2.0 if they don't give Hayton an extended look.
"On Monday, the Coyotes looked like they learned how to compete in a convent." I'm guessing you didn't go to Catholic school, Craig. You would be surprised at just how nastily competitive nuns can get. Sr. Catherine made us stay two hours after school every day for three months for spelling bee practice, and don't get me started on how invested Sr. Mary Agnes was in the diocesan religion quiz bowl competition in 7th grade.
This was just an ugly game. I was going to say it was the second-ugliest of the season, with the loss to the Wild when Kuemper got hurt being first...but I just looked up that game and saw the Coyotes actually scored five goals in that game. Sigh.
I don't know how much you can judge anything on in this weird season...except for special teams. The power play vanishing was concerning, but even more concerning was the way the PK vanished. That became really noticeable because the discipline the Coyotes played with all season also vanished.
I didn't think the Coyotes would make it past the Avs, but I thought they would win a couple and play close games even in the losses. They managed that in the last two games. This one...oof.
This article has some bite to it. (Unlike the team today..)
Glad to see you aren't pulling any punches Craig.
I can’t even think of any “ Catcher in the Rye” type humorous cynicism.. or my attempt anyway.
It’s going to be a busy off season.
And it starts with the GM position.
Thanks for your articles and thanks to all the Coyote fans that hang in there for this team and our city.
I liked Chayka, but maybe him leaving has left an opening for a mini-rebuild without the organization getting as much criticism. Colorado’s bottom was harder and more recent than Arizona’s but they already had a few young pieces to the puzzle when they bottomed out. There’s coaching issues, yes. But I think too many players aren’t meeting expectations. Did the GM acquire the wrong skill set for the coach? Was everyone just on the back 9 of their careers? Individually, theirs skill, character, leadership, but collectively it falls apart on the ice. Every veteran has digressed since coming to AZ, no high end prospect has broken out to become a star. The most dynamic and best worker is a 5th round pic that is 5’7.
Speaking of Colorado, a big piece of their rebuild was trading away highly skilled players Ryan O’Reilly and Matt Duchene. They received lots of talent in those deals. Maybe AZ should follow suit and offload some big names, not just vets that will get little return
At this point, I can't imagine Meruelo is happy paying one of the most expensive rosters in the league for this level of performance. Has their been any indication from ownership/management about what changes are anticipated? Gerard Gallant, Bruce Boudreau, and a whole bunch of younger defensemen are available...
It is so perplexing. The thing that stands out (I don’t know if it can be taught) is the lack of URGENCY, from coming to most every game unprepared from the start, and Kuemper bails them out, until finally they show up to play, Craig, you hit the nail on the head, they should be embarrassed. But I do not believe the demeanor of the “C” has the capacity to communicate it, since it seems to be missing from him. Then, these veterans, who were going to bring these younger players along looked like AHL players. Not to single him out, but where was Kessell’s vaunted playoff shot? The same could be said for others. So, what do the Coyotes do with no cap space, middle-of-the-pack (over-priced players), no guarantees versus Taylor Hall, Kessel obviously passed his prime, no high draft picks this year. It really seems like Chayka classlessly left us a pretty bare cupboard. I don’t see much room for progress. Can you help my perspective? Tocchet’s system has been tried for 3 years, good but marginal players, no star power at all (“no amount of bad eggs can make a good omelette”). Their rebuild did not work - when your GM bails on you right before the playoffs, there is an underlying message. Prospects are fair, but no where near abundant. Where do you go from here?
On wednesday we get to see if this team has even temporarily learned anything from this horrible game...if they bounce back. So many times, when they have an off game this team has come back the following game and played much better. If they come back and play phenomenal in game 5, my opinion will be more merciful. If not....well, I can only think of 4-6 players on this current squad worth keeping if the right trade/free agent becomes available.
Is it time to bring in some of 'Black Aces' from the Tucson Roadrunners yet ?
Hudson Fasching, Michael Chaput, Kyle Capobianco, Jordan Gross ??
Pre-season expectations were to make the playoffs. The team has exceeded those expectations by making playoffs and winning a game. So why does it feel so crappy?
For me, there's no shame losing to the Avs, but it's the manner in which the team lost last night. I think Craig is spot on to call out our lacklustre veterans. There is too much cap space being taken by players content to be passengers, and we are in desperate need of leaders.
It's interesting, as we typically view Arizona as an attractive destination for free agent/modified NTC signings. I wonder if this is the logical conclusion of signing veteran players who are drawn to Arizona for it's nice weather and golf courses.
I’m frustrated like everyone. Remember that season still a success with Nashville win, Darcy’s play and experience gained for younger players. So disappointed in Leadership group...Hammer with back to back penalties. OEL and Kessel have been atrocious. We didn’t play to our tenacious identity today. What would Shane Doan do to fix the Coyotes? (Subtle request for an future article Craig...please and thanks).
Embarrassing almost even a strong enough word to describe it. Humiliating... disgusting... shameful. I don’t even know.
Late to the conversation, but wanted to add a couple of points. First, Steve Sullivan needs to ask what type of team are we? Skill, speed, veteran, heavy, defense first, run and gun? At the moment AZ has no identity beyond great goal tending. They are not fast, not offense first, not really good on defense, and lack a veteran driven focus. Losing to COL was expected, they are really good. Other than 4-5 players are there really any current Coyotes who would make the AVs lineup?
Second, it's time to move on from lack of draft luck as explanation. It's of course true, but how does that help moving forward - wait till it finally happens. Management either blows up this group in the off season and brings in younger players, or it waits till next year when there could be 25+/- of cap space and rebuild then
The Coyotes are an average team with an elite goaltender. That makeup will get you past the first round...although the Nashville series was much closer than the wins/losses illustrated. Hall is an all-star, but our only one. Colorado has three players better than him. The Coyotes will never be an annual playoff team until they get 2-3 superstars and depth.
I don't want to be overcritical of our players. Colorado is a superior team and they can come at us in waves knowing we don't have the personnel to counter punch. Its easy to play loose if you are Colorado. We have to pretty much play 'mistake-free' hockey when you are facing the shots and not generating any offence.
The problem is, I just don't see how you build this team into a contender.
I feel foolish that I already put a deposit down for next season's weekender package. Nevertheless, I agree with Steven that changes need to be made soon. Today was ugly and discouraging.
Sorry Craig, I know you are a Tocchet fan, but I put this embarrassment squarely on him. As you said, "Lack of leadership dooms". Leadership starts with the coach.
Understand we are out-talented by CO. But we aren't as bad as that loss shows us to be. And I've seen that kind of effort too many times from this team in the Tocchet era. Can't figure it out. Don't know if he just doesn't motivate, or his system is basically flawed in today's game. You can say it's lack of talent, but good coaches seem to make the best of minimal talent (Tippet being a good example). And I really thought it was bad when he blamed the players for everything and took no responsibility himself. Tocchet is a .500 coach at best, I do not believe we will ever be real contenders with him behind the bench.
This season is a success, no doubt. Made the playoffs. Hoped we could be competitive and at least win 2 games in a series. But even if that happens now, it will seem more of a fluke than a real victory. Opportunity lost. Doubt Hall will want to stick around after this debacle. And with the GM change and salary cap, I think it's time for a new coach. God I hate the thought of more rebuilding. But don't see any light in the tunnel for this team as built now.
The fact that Vinnie H is playing over Hayton drives me crazy. Vinnie should not be part of the future. He produces little to nothing. This has the chance to become Dylan Strome 2.0 if they don't give Hayton an extended look.
"On Monday, the Coyotes looked like they learned how to compete in a convent." I'm guessing you didn't go to Catholic school, Craig. You would be surprised at just how nastily competitive nuns can get. Sr. Catherine made us stay two hours after school every day for three months for spelling bee practice, and don't get me started on how invested Sr. Mary Agnes was in the diocesan religion quiz bowl competition in 7th grade.
This was just an ugly game. I was going to say it was the second-ugliest of the season, with the loss to the Wild when Kuemper got hurt being first...but I just looked up that game and saw the Coyotes actually scored five goals in that game. Sigh.
I don't know how much you can judge anything on in this weird season...except for special teams. The power play vanishing was concerning, but even more concerning was the way the PK vanished. That became really noticeable because the discipline the Coyotes played with all season also vanished.
I didn't think the Coyotes would make it past the Avs, but I thought they would win a couple and play close games even in the losses. They managed that in the last two games. This one...oof.