The Arizona Coyotes are sitting third in the Central Division with a 3-2 record, four points behind the division-leading Colorado Avalanche. The team is coming together and playing well, all thanks to moves made by general manager Bill Armstrong. The Coyotes are deeper and well-rounded, playing with a new confidence this season. Several factors have played into their early season success, many of those related to the upgraded roster.
Coyotes’ New Additions Paying Off Early
This offseason, Armstrong wanted to build a roster that could be more competitive and in the conversation for a playoff spot. He went out and acquired four quality pieces that have already made their presences known. While the new additions have not lit the scoreboard on fire, they have helped Arizona build a formidable roster that is better than it has been in years past. Quality players who add experience to a roster that is still young.
Defensemen Matt Dumba, Sean Durzi, and Travis Dermott, along with forwards Jason Zucker and Alex Kerfoot, have boosted the confidence of this Arizona team. Zucker and Kerfoot give the forward lines more scoring and depth, with the ability to interchange in the rotation if need be. Both have adapted to their role and could play anywhere in the forward group. Durzi and Dumba bring an offensive dimension to the team that has not had many offensive weapons from the back end, and Dermott brings a stay-at-home defensive style.
Dumba has played in five games, registering one goal, 14 penalty minutes, nine blocked shots, and nine hits in an average ice time of 21:41. While he has not been overly offensive, his game is noticeable by the way his overall game has come together. This is a much more solid defensive unit with him being the lineup as he brings a bit of everything to the blue line. He is a good, solid, top-four defenseman that fits perfectly in what Arizona is trying to do as a group.
Dermott is scoreless in five games yet his game is not an offensive one. His game is played in his zone and his play is suited for this team. A defense-first player, he commits to playing the opponent behind the blue line and protects his teammates and goaltender at all costs. He is a sound penalty killer and does the little things well. He was an underrated signing by Armstrong.
Related: Durzi Coming up Huge in First Arizona Season
Durzi has been the best signing in the offseason by the Coyotes so far. He has two goals and two assists for four points in five games and is a plus-2. Coming over from the Los Angeles Kings, Durzi has the opportunity to do exactly what he did with the Kings and that is quarterback the power-play unit to reach their full potential. Offensively, he is what the Coyotes needed after Jakob Chychrun was moved to the Ottawa Senators. He also provides a gritty game to get the opponents off of their game. Durzi needs a bit of work defensively, but his offensive skills make up for that.
Zucker has been solid since putting on the Coyotes jersey. He has two goals in five games, is a plus-1, and has seven hits in an average ice time of 13:05. He has solidified the top-six forward position, and has been a great addition thus far, giving Arizona another offensive weapon aside from star Clayton Keller. He is also a threat on special teams, giving the Coyotes another well-rounded player.
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Zucker also brings playoff experience as he has played in 46 career games. He can do some amazing work away from the ice as he won the 2018-19 King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his leadership and humanitarian contribution.
Although Kerfoot is scoreless this season, he gives the bottom-six a good piece who competes on every shift. He relies on his experience to be in the right spot on the ice and helps the players on his line who have less NHL time.
Coyotes Overall a Better Team
The Coyotes have greatly benefited from these additions as they are playing well and have improved in several areas. They are tied for third in goals scored with nine, are third in goals against with a 1.80 goals-against average, fifth in team wins with three, and the power play is seventh with a success rate of 29.2 percent.
Durzi is in the league’s top 10 with two power-play goals. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka is having an outstanding start to the 2023-24 season. For goaltender leaders, he is in the top 10 in wins with two, is sixth in save percentage with a .951 SV%, and is ninth in goals against with a 1.65 average.
The additions have not paid off offensively yet but it has overall team success. They have not scored many goals as a team yet have all committed to playing better defense, and it shows. The Coyotes are much better defensively, and that play results in wins. Arizona does not need an elite scorer but a bunch of players committed to winning and playing as a team.