3 Coyotes With The Most To Prove In 2023-24

The Arizona Coyotes are looking like a new and improved team as they made a number of solid additions to their lineup this offseason. They might not be good enough for the playoffs, but they will definitely be in the mix and be better than last season. To do that, they need these players to play like they have in the past and prove they are at that level.

Karel Vejmelka

Karel Vejmelka didn't have a horrible year last season, but it also wasn't good. He played a lot of games for the Coyotes and was the starter. That could be starting to change as Connor Ingram is challenging him for that role. Ingram put up better numbers in limited games last season, is a year younger, and signed for one extra year. Vejmelka would be the first gone of the two and is fighting to hold onto his starting job.

Matt Dumba

Matt Dumba has struggled with injuries over the past number of years, but was a very good defenseman for the Minnesota Wild when he was healthy. He needed a fresh start and got one in Arizona this season. Not only will he get top pairing minutes, if he stays healthy, big things will be expected of him. He's on a one-year deal, so he's counting on himself to prove that he can still be a top defenseman in the NHL.

Alexander Kerfoot

Alexander Kerfoot took a fairly big step back offensively last season when he dropped from 13 goals and 51 points to 10 goals and 32 points. He was given the same opportunity on the Toronto Maple Leafs, just couldn't repeat a strong season. He moved on to a team where his play will be even more counted on. The Coyotes are hoping that he can put up close to 50 points again and play top-six minutes. He has two years to prove he can be a top-six player or the money won't come his way.