2017-18 record: 29-41-12 (70 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: TBA
The Arizona Coyotes' season, on the surface, was like every other season, in that they failed to take the next step forward in trying to make the playoffs. In reality, it was a horrid start in which they couldn't get a win for the first 20 games that doomed their 2017-18 season. Not having Antti Rantaa healthy in that time was a factor, as was the majority of their core failing to step forward. By the time they got their act together, it was too little, too late. The failure of some of their key players expected to lead them to the playoffs caused some changes beginning in the middle of the season, and it carried over into the off-season.
This time last year, the Coyotes were counting on the core that included Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, and Antti Rantaa to push them up in the standings. Instead, Rantaa was hurt to start the season and both Domi and Duclair underachieved to the point that Duclair was traded mid-season while Domi was traded for new core player Alex Galchenyuk. Galchenyuk joins Clayton Keller as the new bright spots up front while Oliver Ekman-Larsson was given an extension and Niklas Hjalmarsson was also given a new deal, thus solidifying a youthful defense. Rantaa showed that he was worth the Coyotes trading for him last off-season when healthy, and that will help considerably. In addition to Galchenyuk, the Coyotes added Michael Grabner to help out a penalty kill that just wasn't any good. There are pieces in place for the Coyotes to finally make the playoffs, but things must go exactly as planned. It would also help if Dylan Strome can finally break through onto the NHL roster this season.
Prediction: 6th in the Pacific Division
The Coyotes are a team that continues to rise, albeit slowly. Unfortunately, they are also in a pretty stacked Western Conference, so a playoff spot may be stretch. If they can stay in it until the final week or so of the regular season, the season can be considered a success.
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