Another year, another non-playoff season for the Arizona Coyotes, but that has the potential to change sooner rather than later.
Yes, the Coyotes will continue to play in a college arena for now. Yes, they once again spent the NHL Trade Deadline retaining salaries and acquiring players/contracts other teams no longer wanted. They’ve made it difficult to feel optimistic, but it’s not all bad in 2023.
On the year, Arizona is 27-33-12, which is seventh in the Central Division, but the team’s play has been encouraging as of late.
Since the All-Star break, the Yotes are 11-5-6, and until a loss to the Winnipeg Jets earlier this week, they had won four straight games and were on an eight-game point streak.
The Arizona Coyotes have a few reasons to be excited.
As a team, the Coyotes have been difficult to play against lately, but overall, they’ve been an inconsistent group. What has not been inconsistent is the play of some of their individuals.
Forward Clayton Keller, now in his sixth full NHL season, has been the ultimate bright spot this year. He has surpassed his previous career highs in all major offensive categories by tallying 34 goals and 44 assists for 78 points.
Despite being in year six, Keller is only 24 years old. The Coyotes have him locked up and will continue to have the 2016 first-round pick leading the charge.
Nick Schmaltz has also been an important piece of Arizona’s lineup. His 50 points are the second-most on the team, and he has compiled that total in only 53 games. At age 27, he is one of the veteran players on the roster, and the Yotes will be happy to have him for at least the next three seasons.
Forwards Matias Maccelli, Lawson Crouse, and Barrett Hayton, all 25 years of age or younger, have already recorded new career highs in points this season.
Defensively, Juuso Valimaki and J.J. Moser are enjoying breakout seasons offensively with 31 points and 27 points, respectively. They lead Coyotes defensemen in ice time as well.
In goal, Arizona has three young goaltenders that have played this season. While consistency has not always been there, all three have posted impressive numbers given the circumstances. With a better team in front of them, these could be franchise goalies for the Coyotes.
It will still take some time before Arizona is a team that its opponents fear, but there are some talented young players lacing up their skates in the desert, so don’t sleep on the Coyotes in the coming years.