2021-2022 Season Projections
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. Last time, we looked at the San Jose Sharks. Next, we head to the desert to preview the Arizona Coyotes.
2021 Offseason
The Coyotes spent the offseason piling up draft picks. They made numerous trades to take on poor value contracts from other teams and received a copious amount of draft picks in return. The 21/22 season looks like it will be a season to forget in the desert, but the Coyotes are in an excellent position to rebuild through the draft.
2021-2022 Season Preview
Roster Strength
With many of their proven NHL veterans moving on in the Coyotes’ effort to hoard draft picks this summer, the roster looks incredibly weak for the 21/22 season. Most of the lineup falls well below our absolute minimum benchmarks.
Forwards
The Coyotes forward group will be led by Phil Kessel, Nick Schmaltz and Clayton Keller. While this group is capable of playing in the top six, they would be better suited as a second line than a top line. Behind them, quality depth is sparse.
The Coyotes were able to pile up as many draft picks as they did this offseason by taking on poor value contracts. We see that here, with most of the forwards clustered around the 25th percentile or lower for projected 21/22 season value.
Defensemen
The Coyotes best additions this offseason were opportunistic additions on defense. They added Shane Gostisbehere via trade from the Flyers and were able to also take draft picks from Philadelphia in the process. Gostisbehere fell out of favor with the Flyers but still projects as a 2nd pair defenseman. Arizona also acquired Conor Timmons from Colorado when the Avs found themselves in desperate need of a starting goaltender following Philip Grubauer signing in Seattle. Timmons projects as a first pair defensemen in the model we may find out how he handles such an assignment in Arizona.
Goaltenders
The Coyotes will go with an underwhelming goaltending duo in 21/22. It’s likely to help Arizona fight for top draft lottery odds this season.
Team Performance
The Coyotes will struggle to find wins in the 21/22 season. Their lack of talent at nearly every position has them set to be one of the leagues punching bags.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
