Arizona went to great lengths this offseason to try and improve its goal-scoring capability by acquiring veteran Stanley Cup-winner Phil Kessel from Pittsburgh. Kessel was a favorite of head coach Rick Tocchet from his time as an assistant with the Penguins.
Center Alex Galchenyuk was shipped to Pittsburgh in the Kessel deal, so the Coyotes are hoping that a separate trade with Colorado for Carl Soderberg will help plug that gap. The second line will be patrolled by center Nick Schmaltz, who the organization recently signed to a seven-year deal.
Arizona will also rely on goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who had a solid 2.33 goals against average (GAA) in his first season as a primary goalie.
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