Good write up Craig. Without a doubt these guys need to step up if we are to have any chance this season. But I dunno, my pessimistic side must be coming out. Seems as we get closer, I'm seeing more of the deficiencies of the team in a tougher division. And still have no confidence in our coaching. Hope I'm wrong, but I feel we are closer to a big break up and restart under Armstrong than a perennial playoff contender.
That is certainly possible. As I noted, Armstrong is not wed to any of the players on this roster and I do expect the group of veterans heading into the final year of their deals to move on after this year anyway. But there are sources aplenty for motivation this season and Dallas' remaining in the Central means the Coyotes will be competing against Minnesota & St. Louis for the final two playoffs pots in the division. I have Colorado & Vegas as locks and the three California teams on the outside.
Gotta agree with the tag line above. :-) I just can't see how things are going to get much better with mostly the same coaching staff. Tocchet has been underwhelming in his ability to lead players to over achieve and has provided less than average player development. Perhaps MacLean was that bad and he was the problem, but I won't put the coaching ills all on him. The steadying veteran influence of Richardson, Soderberg and others is also gone.
I just can't see a group of players who should have been showing more improvement over the last few years all improving at the same time. Color me skeptical. Love to be wrong, but I just don't see it happening.
Just a small curious question - why doesnt the rat pack include Garland? He definitely feels like part of the young core and maybe the one guy who is performing most to potential of those young guys. With that said, loved the article, and hoping to see some growth from all the players on this list! (especially having just purchased a Keller RR Yotes jersey)
The focus was on the players entering their fifth/fifth years because of that line of development that Armstrong discussed. Garland only has 1.5 seasons of NHL experience.
Gotcha, part of the young core brought up through the Coyotes system. Looking forward to the first inter-Arizona game on Jan 14 between the Coyotes and Arizona Sharks 🦈 😂
I think a lot of these guys started really coming into their own right before the pause. Fischer in particular seemed to start to figure out what his role was and to embrace it. I get the feeling from him that he is one of those guys who played a different role growing up who has to figure out how to make it work in the NHL. Granted, I have a well-documented soft spot for him.
Spot on as always. I love the”rat” pack guys, (my favorites) and agree it is time for them all to shine. They all have the skill, and passion and love for the game to do so. Looking forward to this season, whatever it’s gonna look like.
I think one of the things that has continually hurt the Coyotes youngsters is that they've joined the team without a star forward to learn from. Imagine if Keller had a Patrick Kane to work with...
Out of the 6 members of the Rat Pack, I think only Schmaltz, Dvorak, and Crouse will survive in the the Armstrong administration. Dvorak and Crouse are hard nose, two-way players that fit Armstrong's mold. I think Schmaltz will improve his offensive production and stay around. I predict that Fischer and Keller won't ever be consistent enough for Armstrong and I expect Armstrong to beef up the blue line over the next couple of years so Chychrun may be moved. I hope I am wrong about the last 3 guys. It would be great for them all to succeed here in AZ!
Hope springs eternal, pre-season.
Good write up Craig. Without a doubt these guys need to step up if we are to have any chance this season. But I dunno, my pessimistic side must be coming out. Seems as we get closer, I'm seeing more of the deficiencies of the team in a tougher division. And still have no confidence in our coaching. Hope I'm wrong, but I feel we are closer to a big break up and restart under Armstrong than a perennial playoff contender.
That is certainly possible. As I noted, Armstrong is not wed to any of the players on this roster and I do expect the group of veterans heading into the final year of their deals to move on after this year anyway. But there are sources aplenty for motivation this season and Dallas' remaining in the Central means the Coyotes will be competing against Minnesota & St. Louis for the final two playoffs pots in the division. I have Colorado & Vegas as locks and the three California teams on the outside.
Gotta agree with the tag line above. :-) I just can't see how things are going to get much better with mostly the same coaching staff. Tocchet has been underwhelming in his ability to lead players to over achieve and has provided less than average player development. Perhaps MacLean was that bad and he was the problem, but I won't put the coaching ills all on him. The steadying veteran influence of Richardson, Soderberg and others is also gone.
I just can't see a group of players who should have been showing more improvement over the last few years all improving at the same time. Color me skeptical. Love to be wrong, but I just don't see it happening.
That's fair. You're not alone. We'll see...
Just a small curious question - why doesnt the rat pack include Garland? He definitely feels like part of the young core and maybe the one guy who is performing most to potential of those young guys. With that said, loved the article, and hoping to see some growth from all the players on this list! (especially having just purchased a Keller RR Yotes jersey)
The focus was on the players entering their fifth/fifth years because of that line of development that Armstrong discussed. Garland only has 1.5 seasons of NHL experience.
Gotcha, part of the young core brought up through the Coyotes system. Looking forward to the first inter-Arizona game on Jan 14 between the Coyotes and Arizona Sharks 🦈 😂
I think a lot of these guys started really coming into their own right before the pause. Fischer in particular seemed to start to figure out what his role was and to embrace it. I get the feeling from him that he is one of those guys who played a different role growing up who has to figure out how to make it work in the NHL. Granted, I have a well-documented soft spot for him.
I think your read is accurate.
Spot on as always. I love the”rat” pack guys, (my favorites) and agree it is time for them all to shine. They all have the skill, and passion and love for the game to do so. Looking forward to this season, whatever it’s gonna look like.
I almost spit out my coffee when Tocchet called them that. Great nickname. Somebody has to capitalize on it.
I think one of the things that has continually hurt the Coyotes youngsters is that they've joined the team without a star forward to learn from. Imagine if Keller had a Patrick Kane to work with...
A No. 1 center. Lather, rinse, repeat.
I'd buy that t- shirt!!😁
It would be pretty cool.
Out of the 6 members of the Rat Pack, I think only Schmaltz, Dvorak, and Crouse will survive in the the Armstrong administration. Dvorak and Crouse are hard nose, two-way players that fit Armstrong's mold. I think Schmaltz will improve his offensive production and stay around. I predict that Fischer and Keller won't ever be consistent enough for Armstrong and I expect Armstrong to beef up the blue line over the next couple of years so Chychrun may be moved. I hope I am wrong about the last 3 guys. It would be great for them all to succeed here in AZ!