Arizona Active at Deadline

Add Arvidsson and Lewis

The trade deadline has come and gone, the rosters are set, and now begins the final push for playoffs. There was no secret that Arizona has been active over the last month, looking to add to what already has been a well-constructed roster, so let’s break down what has taken place over the last month.

Looking back to February 6^th, Arizona finalized a trade, sending $4,000,000 to the Vancouver Canucks in return for Trevor Lewis. Lewis brings some great leadership to the team as well as his sound defensive game, which will fit in nicely to a team that has believed in its defensive first approach. Lewis is expected to slot in at the team’s 13^th forward, after sending long time Coyote, Kevin Stenlund, down to the minors.

Leading up to the deadline, Not Elliot Friedman reported that the Coyotes and Oilers were close to finalizing a deal. It had been confirmed that the trade involved Arizona acquiring Mika Zibanejad and Chris Tanev for William Karlsson, Trevor Van Riemsdyk, a 1^st, and 3^rd round pick. The team didn’t end up pulling the trigger and it was believed that Arizona was not comfortable with sending Karlsson and TVR, fearing it would cause too much of a shake up in the dressing room.

Not long after the discussion with the Oilers ended, on March 5^th, 2024, the Coyotes added Viktor Arvidsson from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Jacob Larsson, BOS 2024 2^nd, TBL 2024 3^rd, and prospect Ben King. While he is expected to start on the top line with Barkov and Svechnikov, Arvidsson will likely be moved throughout the top nine to find something that suits the team’s playstyle. Arvidsson also brings additional scoring to the team, having a shooting percentage of 12.74 throughout his career. The Coyotes are hoping this will help bring additional success to the teams powerplay, which has struggled to take that next step forward. 

While there may be some mixed signals being sent by the GM regarding making too much of a change to the team, Arizona was able to acquire Lewis and Arvidsson without moving anyone off the existing roster. The Coyotes had several picks available to use leading up to the deadline, and took advantage of them to bring on players, and did so without shipping either of their firsts.

As we publish, the Coyotes remain at the top of the league but have stumbled as of recent, seeing their lead on other top teams diminish to only two points. Head Coach Dave Tippett has been given the pieces to make a real run for a Stanley Cup this year, which would be the first in their history. Expect Tippet to be fluid in adjusting his roster as he looks to continue the success the team has achieved thus far.

For now, the Coyotes will continue to compete for the Presidents trophy this season, which would be their second under the leadership of Owner/GM Trevor Sifton, but make no mistake, their eyes are set on the true prize of a Stanley Cup.