The next team overview and prediction we have the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes have been at the bottom of the barrel for the past couple years now and this year it will be no different. The Coyotes are also in a new location.... in Tempe, Arizona playing out of Arizona State's rink. So, now they get to be playing in a rink with a capacity of 5,000 fans and they do not get to put their logo at center ice. Arizona's roster is simply just not there. They have some young bright spots, but are most likely going to be vying for last place in the league to get Connor Bedard. They brought in a couple of veterans to fill out their lineup, but that is pretty much all they are going to get. Among their offseason acquisitions are 3 veteran defensemen to play in front of Vejmelka, who the Coyotes signed to be their goalie of the future. They signed Troy Stetcher, Josh Brown, and traded for Patrick Nemeth. Each of these players have been around the league and each play more of a defensive game through their careers. The Coyotes defense last year struggled immensely and these acquisitions may not do a 180 for their backend, but should be able to at least somewhat strengthen their d-zone. Arizona's offense kept their young, core pieces while re-tooling their bottom six. Their top six have the ability to score, but have not been able to do so at a high rate besides Clayton Keller and kind of Nick Schmaltz. They showed they think Lawson Crouse will sprout into a true top 6 player by signing him to a 5 year $21 million contract this Summer. Their bottom six added Zach Kassian from the Oilers and Nick Bjugstad from the Wild. Both these players are big bodies that add some defensive stability, but very little offense. The Coyotes are going to have to get production out of their young guys and some very good defensive play to be somewhat good, but I don't see that happening. This is going to be another year where the Coyotes are one of those teams you aren't worried about playing. They will be a bottom three team in the NHL this season.
Projected Record- 26-50-6
Playoff Projection- No
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