The Arizona Coyotes traded for Phil Kessel and then were relatively quite yesterday.
The Kessel trade is already a success because it brings an actual NHL star player to the team, and I've heard jersey sales are through the roof.
The hockey part of the trade is somewhat of a gamble, as Galchenyuk is about seven years younger, but Kessel is an elite scorer on a team that can't score (even on the power-play).
So while the potential of Galchenyuk has been sacrificed for more of a sure thing, the best part of the trade is the name-brand recognition, and the cost certainty. (Galchenyuk is an RFA after this season, meaning if he was to perform anywhere close to the level needed to make keeping him worthwhile, the Coyotes would have to give him a raise into the Phil Kessel stratosphere anyways).
After all is said and done, I like the trade.
What I didn't like was that the Coyotes didn't follow it up with anything yesterday. While I was hoping for a follow up trade, or even a big-name signing, I suppose no one ever regrets not getting involved on July 1st.
What the Coyotes did do was bring in low-risk option Beau Bennett.
He's never really solidified an NHL job, but he's a nearly ppg AHL player who represents a decent enough depth option.
Not exactly huge news, but it's something.
As for the dud mentioned in the title, the Coyotes have inexplicably brought back Lawson Crouse.
As you can see from this fancy-ass chart (provided with permission from evolving-hockey.com) Crouse is terrible.
No offense. (As in no scoring. Otherwise - Offense!)
No defense.
No anything.
He's so bad I'm surprised the Coyotes couldn't get a first rounder from Vancouver for him.
Last year Crouse was used in 81 games, where he posted negative differentials in shot-attempts, shots, scoring chances, expected-goals and goals.
When he was on the ice, the Coyotes got hammered.
To do so, they break two of Tanner's Rules of Roster Building in the NHL.
1. Don't pay anyone who doesn't have first line capability more than the league minimum. 2. Do not give term to role players.
I realize it's not a huge investment, but there is no reason to believe that Crouse has anything other than replacement player upside.
It's hard to believe that in a league where Jason Spezza is willing to play for free, that anyone would pay anything for Crouse.
Oh well! Whatcha gonna do?