NHL Pacific Division 2015-16 Offseason Rankings

Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) celebrates with center Max Domi (16) and center Henrik Samuelsson (15)/ Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Pacific Division #7 Arizona Coyotes

With 100% consensus across all writers who participated, Too Many Men on the Site projects the Arizona Coyotes to place 7^th once again in the NHL Pacific Division. After finishing 4^th overall with 89 points for the 2013-14 season, the Coyotes embarked on an aggressive rebuild. This lead to a 7^th place finish with 56 points in 2014-15. Notably, starting goaltender, Mike Smith, had a drop in performance with a .904 SV% and a 3.16 GAA. This season, the team will rely heavily on a rebound from Smith.

"“The Coyotes have the second oldest active roster as it stands right now (average age of 29.4). With this being said, they do have talented prospects, a wack load of them at that. This isn’t the year for the Coyotes, but their time is coming in the near future.” – Martin Strachan, Staff Writer"

The Coyotes still have some great veterans, but success is dependent on the development of their many promising prospects. The Coyotes traded away star defenseman Keith Yandle for prospect Anthony Duclair and some draft picks in return. This reunites Duclair with his linemate from the World Junior Hockey Championship Max Domi. At the 2015 draft, the Coyotes drafted the elite prospect Dylan Strome 3^rd overall and Nicholas Merkley 30^th overall among others. Further, other budding prospects include Philip Samuelsson, Brendan Perlini and Christian Dvorak. These prospects will take time to develop. The future looks bright for the Arizona Coyotes, but unfortunately for fans not this season.

"“Go ahead and laugh at the Arizona Coyotes this year.  It’s the last chance you’ll have.  The future looks bright and Auston Matthews could end up leading his hometown team.  There is lots to be excited about in Arizona.  Patience will be rewarded.” – Adam Savard, Staff Writer"

With Scottsdale Arizona’s own talent Auston Matthews projected to be drafted first overall at the 2016 draft, it will be too tempting for Arizona to join the sweepstakes. Bringing in a local top talent may just be the boost to business that the struggling organization needs. After all the conspiracy theories surrounding the Connor McDavid draft lottery, we can only imagine what might surround the Auston Matthews lottery.

"“Get your tin foil hats ready! I am looking forward to all of the Auston Matthews draft lottery conspiracy theories!” – Jason Feddema, Staff Writer"

Next: This Team Will Drop Significantly to 6th