The Arizona Coyotes are finally launching into Phase 2 of the rebuild
This is the beginning of the exciting part, no more cheering for losses, no more picking up obvious trade bait to get more draft capital. General Manager Bill Armstrong and head coach Andre Tourigny have received multiyear extensions and, I believe, rightfully so. It is way early to say, but I feel this is the best GM/HC pairing we’ve had in our time in the desert (maybe even as a franchise).
The season start is mere weeks away, the Coyotes will spend two preseason matches in Australia, Cooley, Zucker and Kerfoot have talked to the media, its now time to give my pre-preseason thoughts.
I’ll start by saying that it is time to give Keller the C. Not only for his actions on ice, especially the record-matching 86 point season last year, but also for being a voice in the Tempe city meetings and inspiring Cooley to join now and begin his NHL journey. Keller is a proud Coyote and shows that in every action. I believe this team is ready for a new captain, our last being Ekman-Larsson, who was traded along with Connor Garland for a package that would contain the draft pick that became Dylan Guenther.
My next thought is actually a question. Are we keeping the reverse retros? The Coyotes have marketed them with Cooley and the other new faces but seem to be, by my research, the only team to be keeping them at least for sale. Will they be our third jersey? I’m doubtful because of the sheer success and beauty of the Arizona Nights jersey which I’m starting to believe will become a primary jersey at some point but that’s pure speculation on my part. I do like the reverse retros but more on fans than on the ice. The orange is too close to U of Texas’ nasty burnt orange on the ice and, as a rabid Texas A&M Aggie supporter, I just can’t enjoy that.
I’m feeling very good about the Mesa deals we have semi-announced. It seems to not require a vote since on a few sites as it’s all private land. The Coyotes President, Xavier Gutierrez, has stated they plan to formally announce around All-Star Break so I will keep you updated on here as well as on the Chirpin Yotes Podcast.
My Final thought before preseason craziness starts, well outside of the Blue Jackets craziness, is this is the time to get excited. If you’re a newer hockey fan or reading this article because you’ve seen it on our great website, then allow me to say the Coyotes are on a similar path as the Diamondbacks.
We’re young so we’ll lose matches, blow leads but we will also steal games, and showcase exciting forward talent and our goalie tandem will definitely play on their heads. This is starting to become the team this state and its fans deserve. We have plenty of room on the wagon so hop on and let’s get this season started.
