Here is why this next month will dictate what strategy the Coyotes decide to take at the March 8 NHL Trade Deadline.
The Arizona Coyotes are about to enter the biggest month of the season that could have major ramifications on the team’s trading philosophy.
Through 48 games, the Coyotes have a 23-22-5 record and 49 points as they are five points out of a wild card spot in the Western Conference.
Everything can change for better or for worse through the next month until the March 8 NHL Trade Deadline.
If the Coyotes are multiple points out of a playoff spot, it’s very possible that general manager Bill Armstrong could sell at the trade deadline and acquire assets that will help Arizona in the future.
However, if the Coyotes find themselves fighting for the playoffs in a month's time, Armstrong will have every reason to develop a buyers mentality at the trade deadline in order to help the team stay competitive through the late stages of the season.
This is why a month can really change a lot for the Coyotes.
Despite exceeding expectations through the first half of this season, the outlook on the Coyotes may be dictated to how they perform over the next month because of what is at stake.
The Western Conference wild card race is only getting harder with multiple teams in the mix including the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames.
In order to secure a playoff spot by season’s end, the Coyotes will need to elevate their game further as they must play with more consistency.
Arizona will have a little bit of a different look with Barrett Hayton returning to the lineup after missing two months with an upper-body injury and the addition of Adam Ružička who could very well make an impact.
This will be the Coyotes’ most important stretch of the season with all eyes glued to see what direction the organization decides to go in at the trade deadline.