With the Phoenix Coyotes youth movement, the difficulty falls on the fans and on the veteran players, such as Shane Doan and Ed Jovanovski.

Last season, Jovanovski was brought to the Valley to help improve the blue line and to mentor players like Keith Ballard. Curtis Joseph shared with the Coyotes brass that if Jovanovski came to the team, they would see an improvement right away.

Jovanovski signed a multi-year contract worth $6.5 Million per year.

If anyone thinks that the veterans are in any way discouraged about the current focus on the Coyotes this season, Jovanovski lends his perspective on the situation.

“It’s step by step. You bring in young kids from the previous drafts, like
Peter Mueller. I saw him last year, and he’s on the doorstep. Young players come
around. I think everybody has to be patient with the whole thing. You’ve got to
go with it and be a mentor to the younger guys and have a positive vibe that
players can get off of you and go out there and work your hardest every
time.”

Arizona Republic

Original post by PB

Join the discussion at The Fanster Forums. Arizona Sports 24/7.