s23 - Deadline Rumors Du Jour [WB9]

And so, this season’s trade deadline day came and went and for the first time in a long time, GM Chris Baker and the Phoenix Coyotes did… nothing.

Tough to argue with a team that is once again leading the league in points with 43 wins and only 18 losses in regulation through their first 68 games played.  Simply put, the team is firing on all cylinders and the belief was that there was a fear of messing with the chemistry.

“Myself and [coach] Joel [Quenneville] sat down leading up to the deadline and outlined some areas where we thought an upgrade might help.  We explored some options, but in the end, we felt like the makeup of this roster as it stands gives us the best chance to win.”

Without knowing for certain what kind of deals were available at the deadline, we do know for a fact that forward Matt Moulson’s name was being offered to teams.

“Ya it was tough,” said Moulson.  “It’s always a stressful time.  It’s 100 times worse when it’s your name that’s out there,” he added.

A source close to the team did mention that a rumoured deal between the Los Angeles Kings and the Coyotes was being discussed in which Moulson and an unnamed player were being offered in a deal that would have seen Joe Pavelski head to the desert.  Ultimately, the latter was dealt to Tampa Bay in a separate deal.

Some have mentioned Moulson’s name was being heard in circles surrounding the Buffalo Sabres.  It’s strictly speculative and hearsay, but some said Phoenix was trying for one of Buffalo’s first round draft picks.

From a potential Brent Burns deal to even Evgeni Malkin’s name being mentioned, to hear it told by fans of the Phoenix Coyotes, GM Baker and his staff were in on just about EVERY trade both completed and rumoured. How much of it is real and how much is fantasy, we’ll never know.  One thing for certain though is that this year’s version of the Phoenix Coyotes will have only themselves to rely on to get it done.

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