Arizona Coyotes Rebuild Is Taking It Up A Notch

The Arizona Coyotes rebuild has had a busy and productive summer. They extended their general manager,  Bill Armstrong through the 2028-29 season. Prior to that announcement, they extended their head coach, Andre Tourigny, for three years. With all the signings of additional players and excellent draft picks, the Coyotes rebuild is taking shape. It was all in the plan. Selecting players in the draft and signing key players can help a team become more competitive. Armstrong knew that, and the Coyotes’ ownership recognized that Armstrong knows what he is doing. Therefore, they rewarded him for finishing what he started.

Arizona Coyotes Rebuild Going to the Next Gear

Some criticize Armstrong’s methods, but thus far, once you objectively review what he has done, you can see his vision for the future. Everyone thought taking on contracts of players who won’t play again was foolish. Well, Armstrong turned them into draft picks, and it was his building blocks method and thinking toward the future that will make this team better. He knew young players take time to develop. A perfect example is Clayton Keller. He tied the all-time record for the most points last season when he tallied 86 points with 37 goals and 49 assists. He now shares that record with Keith Tkachuk who completed the feat in the initial season the Coyotes were here in the Valley in 1996-97.

Keller actually recovered from a brutal injury he sustained in a March 31, 2022, game against the San Jose Sharks when he crashed into the end boards, breaking his leg. The work ethic to recover and perform as he did has made him the team’s offensive leader.

Armstrong was a guest on the local Burns and Gambo radio show, explaining his rebuild concept.

The Arizona Coyotes 2023-24 Season Looks Promising

While the Coyotes may not make the playoffs, they have made the next step to show the fans that they are on the upward climb to become a playoff team. When you examine the accomplishments that Armstrong was able to make this offseason, it shows that this team is on the uprise. He was able to sign Jason Zucker, who is a desert rat and grew up in the Vegas area. Armstrong traded for Sean Durzi, who will be a top blueliner on the club. He convinced Nick Bjugstad and Troy Stecher to rejoin the team. Finally, Matt Dumba became a Coyote to fortify the blueline. But, one of the huge accomplishments was to get the third overall selection in the 2022 draft, Logan Cooley, to sign with the team instead of going back to the University of Minnesota.

Cooley has mentioned that the moves that Armstrong made this offseason was a key factor in his decision to turn pro. He likes the direction of the team and wants to help them be successful. The Coyotes have needed a top-line center for years. Adding Cooley, a top performer in college with 22 goals and 38 assists in just 39 games, gives them that opportunity. Will he compete with Connor Bedard for the Calder Trophy given to the best rookie next season? Don’t count him out.

While the Coyotes seem to have things falling into place, the preseason is almost upon us and that’s when the real fun begins. The team will play two preseason games in Melbourne, Australia. This trip will allow the group to get to know each other and bond. It is an exciting team for a team on the rise.

Arena Update

Recently, CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez provided an update on the arena hunt the team is experiencing. The final peg in the Coyotes puzzle is to find a new home for the team. While Mullett Arena is a fun atmosphere, the organization is working hard to find a location to build a new arena. We should know more in the coming months about an arena site selection.

What's the latest with the Arizona Coyotes' pursuit of a new arena?

Team President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez provided an update. pic.twitter.com/HZyxmbnsbG

— PHNX Coyotes (@PHNX_Coyotes) September 8, 2023

While a new arena is very exciting, PHNX’s Steve Peters had a sarcastic look back at the failed Tempe arena vote that took place in May. Once the team finds a new home, Tempe may look back at its failed opportunity and see what could have been. Peters hits a home run in this VIDEO... ENJOY!!