The unrestricted free agent spotlight continues to shine on Radim Vrbata.
Negotiations remain ongoing between Vrbata's camp and Coyotes general manager Don Maloney. The right wing's future with the team looked extremely bright until a late-season slump, but he did have a career year after being obtained in an off-season trade. Vrbata has said repeatedly that he wants to return, and even though there has been no sense of urgency, it's probable he will be back.
With the emphasis on youth, mixed in with a few core-group veterans, the status of other unrestricted free agents remains cloudy.
Left wing Mathias Tjarnqvist is unrestricted, and even though his offensive numbers are low, coach Wayne Gretzky likes his attitude and approach to penalty-killing. The Coyotes will have tough decision to make on other unrestricted free agents, including center Niko Kapanen and right wing Craig Weller.
It seems likely that left wing Mike York will not return.
As far as bringing in new players, there are free agents who could help the Coyotes, and one or two might be joining the team in training camp, but the chances of a blockbuster deal are almost nil.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT The acquisition of goalie Ilya Bryzgalov in November gave the team a boost of confidence. The Coyotes' rookies all turned in quality seasons. Center/right wing Peter Mueller had two hat tricks and left wing Daniel Carcillo had one.
TURNING POINT The Coyotes were very much alive in the Western Conference playoff hunt entering March, then things began to unravel. They could not find a way to win consistently at home, and that cost them a playoff spot. They won just two of their last 11 games.
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Only a handful of games left, a bit of a stumple in the last week, and giving up 5 goals in regulation to the ugh, (insert vomiting sound here) Kings last night, we Coyotes fans probably won't be seeing the return of the white out. But, this was a good season
The Coyotes inked Kyle Turris to a rookie deal. He'll be coming up for the final three games. I watched him over the weekend playing for Wisconsin, I'm really excited to see him play on the NHL level.
On a darker note, I heard that Blake Wheeler does not want to play for the Coyotes and most likely will not s
Now, I am probably the most optimistic person when it comes to small chances of my team making a certain accomplishment, but this one hurts. We are 5 points out of the 8 spot and even if we take 5 of 6 or something we don't control our own destiny and still have Dallas, Anaheim, and San Jose a few times each. I still hope but I am also looking forward to next year being special.
