After winning just 25 games in 2021-22, it is hard to imagine things could get much worse for the Arizona Coyotes. Yet entering the 2022-23 season, this team could again be contenders for the top spot in the draft, and they will play in an entirely new, smaller rink.
The Arizona Coyotes Guide To The 2022-23 NHL Season
2021-22 Season Stats:
Record: 25-50-7 (57 Points)
Goal Leader: Clayton Keller 28 Goals
Point Leader: Clayton Keller 63 Points
2021-22 Recap
The Arizona Coyotes did not have a season to remember in 2021-22. The top of their lineup included players like Phil Kessel and Alex Galchenyuk, both of who are not on the team anymore.
This Coyotes team in 2021-22 was really bad, but that was intentionally done to ensure the team would have the best chance at drafting high at the draft. The Coyotes used six different goalies last year, with Karel Vejmelka getting the majority of the starts.
2022-23 Preview
The Coyotes will pick up right where they left off, meaning they will not be very good. While this team will struggle, I do think there are some players to keep an eye on in this locker room. Schmaltz, Keller and Crouse all have the potential to be big pieces within the rebuilt Coyotes, and Jakob Chychrun is still on the blueline as well.
NHL Leadership:
General Manager: Bill Armstrong
Coach: André Tourigny
Captain: None
The Arizona Coyotes are one of seven teams with no captain entering the season. Most likely, a captain will not be named before the start of the year.
Key Additions:
Zack Kassian, Nick Bjugstad, Troy Stecher, Josh Brown and Logan Cooley. Cooley was the third overall pick at the 2022 NHL Draft.
Key Subtractions:
Loui Eriksson, Jay Beagle, Anton Stralman, Alex Galchenyuk, Phil Kessel and Harri Sateri
Three Games On The Schedule:
Nov. 17, 2022: Arizona at Vegas:
The Arizona Coyotes and Vegas Golden Knights will meet for the first time this season in Vegas on November 17. This will be the first time Phil Kessel will play his former team since signing with the Golden Knights this season offseason.
Dec. 27, 2022: Colorado at Arizona
This will be the first time the Colorado Avalanche will come to the Coyotes’ home rink as Stanley Cup champions. Playing the defending champs is always a good test, and this year is no different for the Coyotes.
Jan. 24, 2023: Anaheim at Arizona
This will be the first time the Ducks and Coyotes will meet this season. The Ducks and Coyotes got in some news last year after some fights around the net and cheap shots at young stars. Considering how things ended last year, this could be a fun game to watch.
2023 Draft Picks:
The Arizona Coyotes have their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th round picks for the upcoming draft. They also have an additional 3rd rounder from the Washington Capitals.
Outlook and Predictions:
This is going to be an interesting year for the Coyotes. They are playing at their new rink and will try to go after the number one draft pick so they can draft future star Connor Bedard. Bedard looks like another generational player, and the Coyotes will do their best to get him.
I do think the Coyotes will finish in last within the Central Division, and as for a prediction, I believe watching the Coyotes play at home this season is going to be one of the craziest things for NHL fans to watch at ASU.