Arizona Coyotes

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Good morning from Phoenix. We are experiencing some clouds today but that will not prevent us from reaching our high of 107F/41C.

On Aug. 10 the Coyotes announced that they have re-signed forward Viktor Tikhonov to a one year, $826,875 two way contract. (Contract numbers via Renaud Lavoie of RDS)

According to Renaud Lavoie of RDS in Canada the contract includes a ‘European Assignment Clause’ which basically means that if Tikhonov doesn’t make the Coyotes roster out of camp, he can head to the KHL (Russia) and play next season.

Because Tikhonov is no longer waiver exempt he would likely be claimed by another team if he did not make the Coyotes out of camp. With the European clause, he can play in Europe ( including the KHL ) and escape a waiver claim. This also allows the Coyotes to recall him if desired.

Here's the link-
http://coyotes.azvibe.com/2011/08/10...6875-contract/

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The Phoenix Coyotes re-signed restricted free agent winger Mikkel Boedker to a two-year contract.

The signing will give the Coyotes an annual cap hit of $1.1 million.

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Welcome to stormy Phoenix. Today's high will be 114F or 46C with scattered thunderstorms.

Here is a fantastic Tweep list for all things Coyotes thanks to coyotes.azvibe.com

Lists- players, prospects, media etc.

http://coyotes.azvibe.com/2011/08/26...-twitter-list/

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Will Shane Doan be a Coyote at the end of the '11-'12 season?

Rumors of a Doan move by the trade deadline are picking up steam. Doan has stated that had the Coyotes moved to Winnipeg, he would not go with them. He owns a horse ranch in the Scottsdale area where he lives with his wife Andrea and his four children, the oldest being 12 years old. Doan grew up on a horse ranch in Alberta and loves owning his own ranch. He also does not want to uproot his children.

Doan has played his entire career with the Coyote/Winnipeg organization and is it's best player & leader. He is in his final year of his current contract and currently has a NMC. GM Maloney has stated that he would like to get Doan signed to an extension before the start of training camp.

The flip side- At 34 years of age Doan isn't getting any younger. You would have to think that Doan may now be thinking that he doesn't have too many kicks at the can of winning a Stanley Cup. If the Coyotes falter this season, could that inspire him enough to accept a trade to a potentail Cup winner? I think so.

I would love to hear your thoughts and what teams he might end up on by years' end.

I am thinking possibly LA, Vancouver or Detroit.

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Another warm day in Phoenix. Go figure. We had a high of 110F/43C today but there were a few clouds in the sky.

Well my first reaction to the Langkow/Stempnial trade was- "What was Maloney thinking?"

I understand why Calgary made the deal- salary unload. Plus Langkow will turn 35 in a month, has a 4.5 million cap hit and is coming off a major injury that saw him miss almost the entire season last year.

But listening to my fellow Yote fans has me rethinking my reaction a bit.

Some feel Langkow is actually an upgrade over Stempniak. Stempniak is a very streaky player and seemed unhappy in his role with the Coyotes. Now assuming that Langkow passes his physical, he gives the Coyotes the center they have been needing ( even if it is for only the one year left on his contract ). Plus the loss of Stempniak opens up a spot on wing for one of the youngsters.

Langkow averaged 55pts in his 3 previous years with Phoenix and was a very popular player. I doubt he will reach that level again but he basically becomes Belanger's replacement and is a Tippett-type player.

Time will tell but maybe the trade wasn't as one-sided as it first appeared.

BTW I came across a really interesting fantasy hockey site while doing research on the trade. It has some pretty unique features like player comparisons that you vote on, free customizable league rankings, and a bunch of other stuff. It's kinda hard to explain.

You can check it out here-

http://www.1stopfantasyhockey.com/

[loco man]

What does this move mean for Boedker?

He is on the wire and I might add him if he can produce this year

[ericdaoust]

Stempniak is a better pure scorer (ie better fantasy player) but I think if healthy Langkow is better at helping his team win games. That's what it really boils down to.

[loco man]

Stempniak is a better pure scorer (ie better fantasy player) but I think if healthy Langkow is better at helping his team win games. That's what it really boils down to.

umm, was that in response to my Boedker question?

[ericdaoust]

umm, was that in response to my Boedker question?

No, but in response to your question I'd say pull the trigger on Boedker. Pretty solid player.

[loco man]

any shot at 50 points for him this year? I love his upside, but am going for it, so need production

[ericdaoust]

any shot at 50 points for him this year? I love his upside, but am going for it, so need production

If you want immediate production I don't think the Coyotes offer enough support for 50 to happen.

[Excelsior]

What does this move mean for Boedker?

He is on the wire and I might add him if he can produce this year

I'd say it is a big boost for his chances of landing a permanent spot in the lineup on the 2nd or 3rd line RW. My guess is second line. He brings so much speed. And given the ice time he will produce. My guess 45+.

[Princeton]

any shot at 50 points for him this year? I love his upside, but am going for it, so need production

Hey Loco,

My guess is they play him 3rd line with Turris and Boedker. I think they have groomed that line from the AHL and plan to keep them together for a while.

Maybe they are the 2nd PP unit. Doesn't bode well for 50 pts or 40 pts IMO for this year. Next year and the ones after that should be good.

Remember Tippett loves VETS.

[loco man]

sage advice, my friend

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Welcome to cloudy Phoenix. We have a high today of 105F/41C.

Shane Doan is happy to have Daymond Langkow back in the fold in Phoenix.

"I think obviously looking at our lineup, we needed a centerman, and to get somebody like Lanks, we're so excited," he said. "I personally am good friends with Daymond and very excited, but it's so hard trading somebody." Doan also commented that he will miss Lee Stempniak, who was given up for Langkow in the trade with Calgary. However, the Coyotes desperately needed a center to place into their top six and Langkow should fit nicely into that position this season.


Source: Arizona Republic/Phoenix Gazette