The Arizona Coyotes are still undergoing a massive rebuild, and their overall future remains unclear, writes Adam Proteau. But they're about to get a lot more prospects.

Now that the Stanley Cup final is over, attention in NHL circles turns to what could take place in the off-season. So it’s as good a time as any to take a look at the current state of every team and project where they’re likely to be headed this summer.

We began this analysis with a breakdown of the Anaheim Ducks’ immediate future. Today, we’re moving alphabetically through the 32 teams and taking a gander at the woebegone Arizona Coyotes.

2022-23 Grade: D+

Biggest Positive Heading Into the Off-Season

Everyone and their cousin knew that Arizona was in the midst of a massive rebuild in the 2022-23 season. Although the Coyotes performed a little bit better than expected – posting a 28-40-14 record and finishing 27th overall – they still have a roster that needs all sorts of veteran help at every position.

That said, Arizona GM Bill Armstrong has built up an unparalleled number of draft picks. In the upcoming draft, the Coyotes have seven picks in the first three rounds, including two first-rounders. Arizona also has eight picks, including four second-rounders, in the first three rounds of the 2024 draft, and in 2025, they have seven picks in the first three rounds. 

That’s an astonishing number of swings at the plate they have to help build their asset base. And they could have even more if they choose to trade star winger Clayton Keller.

The reality for the Coyotes at the moment is they’re still a team in transition, and that’s not going to change this coming season. But no team has more chances to build an elite young base than Arizona. That counts for something.

Biggest Need Heading Into the Off-Season

Let’s face it, the Coyotes need the beginnings of stability, not only in terms of the roster but in terms of the franchise itself. It’s well-established that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is going to bend over backward to keep the franchise in Arizona, even when some signs point to them relocating to Houston or another notable American market. One way or another, the organization needs a set path for the coming years, both to assure the team’s players, as well as the Coyotes fan base, know what’s in store.

In terms of the on-ice product, Arizona needs to surround youngsters Logan Cooley, Conor Geekie, Dylan Guenther and Nathan Smith with some semblance of veteran know-how. The Coyotes have $27 million in salary cap space per CapFriendly, but it’s not likely ownership will spend to the cap ceiling. 

Once again, Arizona probably isn’t going to make the playoffs in 2023-24, but they have to show their fan base – wherever that is – tangible evidence they’re making progress. The only way to do that is to let their youngsters have opportunities to succeed and react from there.

Bottom Line for Them This Off-Season

When you’re an NHL team playing in an arena that seats 4,600 people for Yotes games, you’re not going to be the most attractive destination for free agents. This season’s crop of free agents isn’t going to be difference-makers, even if they were interested in playing for the Coyotes. Armstrong may have better fortunes on the trade market, but we suspect the no-trade clauses of many NHLers include Arizona as a team they’d rather not play for right now.

One day, the Coyotes may turn out to be a team of high impact. But right now – and for far too long – they’re forced to expend all their energy just to try to be a competitive team and not a laughingstock. They’ll need to continue to take baby steps to get there, and as we know, progress is not linear; they may take lateral steps next season that don’t satisfy fans or media.

Wherever they play in the long term, the Coyotes aren’t going to challenge for a Stanley Cup in 2023-24 and probably not in 2024-25, either. Although that’s a bitter pill to swallow, it’s a pill Coyotes fans are all too familiar with swallowing.