The current road trip has not gone as planned, with the Arizona Coyotes losing the first four of a five game trip, after losing to the St. Louis Blues at home before heading out on the road.
Three road games have been one-goal losses, but as Captain Shane Doan commented: "It's still a loss." It didn't help that they had to play against top Eastern Conference teams Washington, Tampa Bay, and Florida.
Trade Candidates
That brings GM Don Maloney to the point of deciding to become sellers at the trade deadline on Monday. He already has determined that Mikkel Boedker may be a prime candidate to be moved.
The Coyotes offered Boedker a contract worth $5 million a year with multiple years (five) included, only to have Boedker's agent turn it aside.
You can be assured that the crafty GM Maloney is on the phone calling buyers for a rental player like Boedker. But, can Boedker's salary demands deter that process?
What brought a smile to GM Don Maloney's face was that the Chicago Blackhawks traded for soon to be free agent Andrew Ladd of the Winnipeg Jets. In Maloney's world, that should bring him a better return for Boedker's services should a trading partner appear.
There may be other Coyotes who will be packing soon, as well. Nickolas Grossmann, acquired on draft day for Sam Gagner could be a prime candidate.
The way that Kevin Connauton has been playing, Grossmann may be expendable. Connauton has three goals, three assists in 18 games. He's just 25 years old. The key here is that Head Coach Dave Tippett likes the play of Grossmann.
Today, there have been rumors that perhaps GM Maloney may even be considering trading big man Martin Hanzal. His worth now will not be any higher next season when he will have the option to become a free agent at seasons' end. His injury prone affliction may cause teams to steer clear of him.
The problem with Hanzal's possible departure is what he brings to the team at the already weak position of center.
His huge frame is used endlessly to block the opposing goalies' view of the puck, and he creates room for the 'Killer D's' Max Domi and Anthony Duclair to operate and do their thing.
It's doubtful that he will leave, but one thing is assured with GM Maloney, don't second guess him. He will throw you a curve, and you won't see it coming.
The teams' weak defense (27th in the NHL) needs upgrading, and Hanzal may be the piece of the puzzle which gets them a decent pairing partner for All-Star defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
There are other possibilities to improve the Coyotes
Tampa Bay wants a right-handed defenseman to unload problem child Jonathan Druoin, and Zbynek Michalek might just fit the bill. The Coyotes may not want to take on Drouin's attitude problems, but the number three overall selection in the 2013 NHL draft holds some promise, especially for the already offensive minded Coyotes.
Loui Eriksson of the Boston Bruins may be another possibility for Boedker. Eriksson is four years older than Boedker, but has 48 points, including 23 goals this season, to make him an intriguing addition to the Coyotes.
As of 4:30 PM February 28th, Arizona time NOTHING has happened yet to the Coyotes' roster, except them picking up forward Jiri Sekac off of waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks. He's hardly a replacement for Boedker, so what does Maloney have up his sleeve?
We'll just need to wait... something that Don Maloney seems to be an expert at.
More Arizona Coyotes on VAVEL:
Arizona Coyotes Rivalry With Las Vegas NHL Expansion Team
Arizona Coyotes’ Rookies Max Domi And Anthony Duclair Exceeding Expectations