If the Phoenix Coyotes accomplished one task in the offseason, it was signing veteran talent.
With re-signing goalie Mike Smith, forwards Kyle Chipchura and Lauri Korpikoski and inking free agents Mike Ribeiro and Brandon Yip, the Coyotes made a conscience effort to secure their net and address an anemic offense.
With veterans now an integral part of a revamped attack, the Coyotes may have little room from new blood.
While coach Dave Tippett usually goes with a veteran corps and would prefer young talent to develop at the minor league level, there could be a few openings.
Coming into training camp Sept. 11, Tippett needs to fill at least two left wingers. There’s a vacancy for a player to skate with Ribeiro at center and captain Shane Doan on the right and another left-handed shot is needed with Martin Hanzal at center and Radim Vrbata on the right side.
Here, a few rookies will likely get some attention.
For one, Tippett likes Chris Brown. At 6'2", 215 pounds, Brown is a banger along the boards and is opportunistic with the puck. The issue may be that he’s a right-handed shot, and Tippett may be hesitant to use Brown in that ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Mark Brown
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