3 Moves The Arizona Coyotes Need To Make This Off-Season

Oh boy, it should be a busy summer for Arizona. They have been one of the most talked about sellers since the end of the season and are on the verge of committing to another rebuild. It is entirely understandable, as they disappointed significantly this season. After making the postseason the year before, the Coyotes went 24-26-6 and were 5th in the West Division. Things just are not working out and change is needed.

The Coyotes should look to make these three moves this summer.

Trade Phil Kessel: Phil Kessel is once again in the rumor mill and likely on his way out of Arizona. The 34-year-old has one year left on his current deal and should have many takers. In 56 games this season, he scored 20 goals and had 43 total points. Thus, he is still a top-six winger who can benefit a contending team. Furthermore, he accepted a trade to Arizona to play for Rick Tocchet, but now he is no longer head coach.

Trade Captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson: At this point, an Oliver Ekman-Larsson trade needs to occur. The team tried to move him last year, but the veteran made it too difficult because he would only accept a trade to the Bruins or Canucks. The Coyotes are reportedly talking to other teams about him and hope to get OEL to accept a deal elsewhere. It would best for both parties to end this prolonged saga.

Sign Conor Garland Long-Term OR Trade Him: When it comes to Conor Garland, the Coyotes should make re-signing him long-term their number one priority. He is only 25-years-old and could be a big piece of their future. However, if Garland is only willing to sign short-term, it would be smart to trade him. He can be an unrestricted free agent starting in 2023. If he signs a two-year deal, it would lead to him inevitably signing elsewhere once it is completed. Therefore, in this situation, a trade makes the most sense.