Edmonton Oilers: Predictions for the Pacific Division
By Kris Hansen
Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
7th. Arizona Coyotes
Additions: Vermette, Downie, Gordon, Scott, Michalek, Grossman, Pronger, Lindback, Richardson
Subtractions: Arcobello, Crombeen, Erat, Gagner, Korpikoski, McGinn, Moore, Moss
If there was a team that was the easiest pick to finish last in their division, it would be the Arizona Coyotes. It’s just a sad looking team from top to bottom.
Up front you have Boedker who was having a great year until he got injured. Hanzal, who is a giant at 6’6 but is always injured. Doan is slowing down at age 38 and is probably a Coyote for life. However, the Coyotes do have some talented youngsters like Domi, Duclair and Samuelsson waiting in the wings. On the back end it’s a big better as Ekman-Larsson is the best player on the team and one of the better defenseman in the league.
Mike Smith was bad last year and needs a rebound in the worse way.
Arizona does not have a lot of positives, except for Matthews as a first overall pick.
Next: 6th. Vancouver Canucks