Coyotes Rumors: Defenseman Becoming Trade Candidate

For much of this season, the Arizona Coyotes were quite competitive and stayed within the playoff hunt. However, due to a disastrous and ongoing 11-game losing streak, their playoff hopes have been crushed. As a result, it will be another deadline of selling in the desert.

Several Coyotes have emerged as trade candidates because of the club's downfall, including Matt Dumba, Jason Zucker, and Nick Bjugstad. However, another name is starting to create some chatter in the rumor mill - defenseman Josh Brown.

Brown, 30, is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) who could generate some interest from teams looking to add to their defensive depth for the playoffs. This is because he is a solid defensive defenseman who plays a heavy game. With playoff hockey always being more grueling, that could lead to teams calling about Brown.

Brown could serve as a solid seventh defenseman on a playoff club and enter the lineup when injuries arise. However, if a team's right side is not particularly strong, he also would be able to handle bottom-pairing minutes.

In 31 games this season with the Coyotes, the London, Ontario native has one goal, five assists, 53 hits, and 53 blocks.

It will be interesting to see if the Yotes end up moving Brown before the trade deadline passes from here. Some possible fits include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, and Tampa Bay Lightning.