Kevin Connauton

Trade deadline outlook: Arizona Coyotes

Published Feb. 24, 2016 10:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Buyers or Sellers?

What a difference a year makes for the Arizona Coyotes, who were in the midst of plummeting in 2014-15 as they attempted to improve their chances at landing what general manager Don Maloney deemed as the "pretty big prize" in Connor McDavid.

While unsuccessful in their bid to secure the top overall pick, the upstart Coyotes (27-27-6) have benefited from the strong play of rookies Max Domi (41 points) and Anthony Duclair (33 points) to find themselves within earshot of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Now, despite Arizona's rapid improvement, the team still is expected to be a seller at the NHL's upcoming trade deadline as the rebuilding process continues in the desert. Keep in mind, Dylan Strome - the third overall pick of the 2015 draft - has yet to make his NHL debut.

Team Needs

With defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson paving the way with a team-high 46 points, it stands to reason that Arizona could use a top-six forward to help ignite a struggling offense. Despite a strong season, captain Shane Doan (club-best 22 goals) isn't getting any younger at the age of 39, either.

The Coyotes could also use some help at the other end of the ice, as the team would benefit from a top-four defenseman or some goaltending depth.

Veteran netminder Mike Smith is dealing with his second long-term injury in as many seasons while backup Anders Lindback's struggles allowed an opportunity for rookie Louis Domingue to seize the job.

Key Players

Mikkel Boedker

Arizona has a decision on its hands: Either sign Boedker to a long-term deal or get as much as they can for him at the trade deadline.

Signed to a one-year, $3.75 million deal last summer, the 26-year-old Boedker could receive considerably more in free agency should it play out that way. That's an option the Coyotes wish to avoid at all costs and likely wouldn't mind shipping the speedy unrestricted free agent to an interested suitor, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins or Chicago Blackhawks.

Martin Hanzal

Teams that miss out on Boedker may target Hanzal, who could provide depth on a contender.

Arizona has a number of natural centers in its system, so perhaps sending Hanzal on his way - with a bit of compensation in return - could prove beneficial in the rebuilding process.

Nicklas Grossmann

The hulking defenseman could provide depth for a team with bigger aspirations than just making the playoffs. Arizona could easily part with the 31-year-old Grossmann, especially with the Kevin Connauton and now Jarred Tinordi on the club.