The Coyotes have sent Dylan Strome to the AHL and recalled Mario Kempe.
After two games, the Coyote co-top prospect was a 41% CF with no points, so this is an understandable move. What isn't really understandable, is why Rick Tocchet didn't put him in more of a position to succeed.
I have no problem with Strome going to the AHL where he can get a ton of ice time and build his confidence. I just think that it's hard to judge a player when he's barely getting any ice time. Only 18 minutes of 5v5 in two games isn't going to help a player used to playing close to 25 minute and in all situations.
That's not the only weird move Tocchet has made either. After posting a game-high 65% possession rating, Christian Fischer was sat for Nick Cousins. (Who I also thought played well, I just don't think Fischer deserves to sit).
But as for Strome, its probably smart to send down. The Coyotes were understandably bad after Domingue was ran by Perry in the first game, so I give them a pass on that. But against an expansion team they were total crap Saturday night.
They were lucky to escape with a point. (But solid first game for Raanta!).
They will get a chance to avenge that embarrassment tomorrow when they play the Knights again.
Replacing Strome in the lineup is Mario Kempe, a 29 year old KHL centre the Coyotes signed this past summer. He had an impressive pre-season and only got cut I think because the team was reluctant to cut their top draft pick Strome.
He scored two points in his AHL debut and should provide the Coyotes with some experience and offensive ability on their third line. I like that he's going to get a chance, but I just wish they'd be a little more patient with Strome and put him in a situation to succeed.
While I am disappointed, you can't screw around with your top prospect and if he's not succeeding, you have to play him where he can.
Good move.