Hipshot Interview w/ Don Maloney
So, after the usual web prowling, I noticed something new. Something that doesn’t happen that much in Coyotes country during the offseason. Curiosity, speculation, hope and enthusiasm. WOW! Everyone and their mother has a question or a specualtion about the desert dogs.
Well, I gathered up some of the questions and grabbed my courage and bearded GMDM at today’s rookie camp. I figured he’d at least answer 1 or 2 before having me turfed out. Our gracious GM did more than that… he answered all of them! CANDIDLY! (he would’ve even let me record him dammittalltohell! I REALLY need a recording device). Well anyway with no further ado I am pleased to present our very first 1 on 1 exclusive interview with GMDM…. (paraphrased as usual because I am obviously a very slow learner and haven’t bought a damn recorder yet)
ME) What are the team’s plans for Brian McGrattan? What does that mean for Carcillo?
GMDM) Danny needs to be able to concentrate on other things this season. We need to be able to give him the opportunity to get those 20 - 30 goals. Danny can start the wars and Bryan can end them. But thats not the only reason Bryan is here, look behind you, (we all turned to look at the kids on the ice) thats the other reason, those kids out there, Turris, Boedker, Tikhonov need to be able to concentrate on their game without worrying. Bryan will give them the confidence and safety to play their game.
ME) Do you plan on bringing in any more forwards from outside of the organization, and if so, through what means?
GMDM) Our 1st order of business is to fix the blueline period. Once we have that done, then we’ll look around period (UFAs) we won’t really be looking at trading but if a deal falls our way then of course we’ll consider it. But with Tikhonov, Boedker and Porter looking for TOI RIGHT NOW, there doesn’t really seem to be a ‘NEED’ for another outside forward.
ME) Which types of defensemen in particular do you plan on pursuing? What price range?
GMDM) Primarily we’ll be looking for someone who can eat Bally’s minutes. Its a LOT of minutes and we need that steady, stable, reliable and safe choice. We’re currently considering 2 defensemen w/ NHL experience. Now don’t forget we still have Yandle and Matt Jones in the system who will most likely get increased minutes but will still need partners that can be depended on while they learn.
ME) How are Ross and Ahnelov looking?
GMDM) Nick is very young, he has been having a very good camp. Ahnelov is looking good also, both are a bit raw still, but who knows what we’ll see out of them come September. Whether its offense or defense we’ll be looking at who they are replacing (toi, skill set etc) first and foremost.
ME) Are there any Dmen currently in SA that are ready to step up?
GMDM) No. No one on the farm right now is ready.
ME) Who is closest?
GMDM) Declined to speculate.
ME) Since the league has set the cap minimum at 40.7 million with a cap of 56.7 million and we worked w/ a self imposed cap last season. What is the team’s budget this season?
GMDM) 40.8 (much laughter, I called him the Stanley Cup shopper of the NHL). Seriously, We will remain close to the floor. When these guys turn out like I think they’re going to, we may need that money to buy the last one or two pieces that will not only get us into the post season but to actually make a run at the cup.
ME) We all know about the youth movement and the 32 and outta here policy. Is there still an age limit on players you’ll pursue?
GMDM) Yes. We are still dedicated to the youth movement but because of the current blueline situation, the defensemen that we pick up may be a little older than our long term plan calls for.
ME) Of players within the organization who did not spend the full season in Phoenix last year, in your opinion are there any who have the inside track to make the team this year?
GMDM) Enver Lisin comes to mind. Lisin will practically have to play himself off the roster,.Basically its his spot to lose. Unless some other kid just completely blows us away in camp Lisin is in a very good spot. With the transfer agreement issue also bearing on this situation, we need to give Enver his chance to succeed and make sure he has every reason to want to stay and improve.
ME) So when are you going to re-sign fan-favorites TQ and Weller?
GMDM) Honestly? The level of talent is so huge this season, that Tjarnqvist (as much as we loved what he did last season) just doesn’t provide enough offense to justify keeping him at this time.
ME) So who is going to play all those PK minutes?
GMDM) We fully expect the young guys to hold their own on the PK. They all have that ability and in addition they can turn a PK into a real scoring opportunity, which hasn’t happened much in the past.
ME) Ok, what about Wellie?
GMDM) Craig has been offered a 2 way contract (just yesterday!). We certainly hope he accepts it but he may decide to explore free agency as he is UFA this season. We will have to wait and see.
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