Yesterday the Coyotes announced their prospect camp schedule with three dates open to the public. Of course camp will be help at the Ice Den in Peoria. Times are as follows:

Friday July 9th: 10 - 11:30
Saturday July 10th: 7:30 - 9:00
Monday July 12th: 11:45 - 1:15

I am not sure if I will be heading out the the Saturday event or not. I haven't decided. If I do, I will post some thoughts and pics afterwards.

For a list of players in attendance click here.

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In other news... Paul Bissonnette has twitter and he is not afraid to use it. Last night he got it from some of his followers when he made the claim that women aren't funny (accept he apparently thinks Miley Cyrus is... she is still ony 17 Paul, be careful!). Then he said something about men being smarter then women (he could make his case better if he knew proper grammer and spelling). He tried a few times to dig himself out. It was quite amusing. I suggest following him. He has learned how to post pics and he does so quite often. Also, I want to go to his house. Pool table, bar. Dang! Click here to go to his twitter page. Apparently some people also emailed the Coyotes about his twitter. Get over it people. If you don't like it, don't follwo him. No one is forcing you to read and/or follow his twitter.

There has been a lot going on in Coyote-Land but I haven't gotten around to talking about it yet. Our servers were being moved and it was very complicated so I decided to stay out of it until it was all taken care of. My life doesn't need more complicated.

First off, the Coyotes took home some hardware at the awards. Tippett and Doan received two out of the four trophies that Coyotes were eligible. Tippett of course took home the Jack Adams. Doan received the King Clancy Memorial Trophy but lost the Messier trophy to Sidney Crosby. Really? Crosby over Doan? I don't even know where to begin with that one... Ryan Miller beat out Bryz for the Vezina. I love Miller but honestly, I think Bryz did more for his NHL team while Miller did more for his Olympic team. And the trophy should be based on NHL play, not Olympic.

Secondly, the draft. The only trade GMDM made was some picks. No players were moved. Our first pick of the draft, at 13, was defenseman Brandon Gormley. He seems to be a good puck handling dman with a good shot from the point. Our next pick was 27^th (traded down from 22) and we took goalie Mark Visentin. He ended last season with a 2.99 GAA and .911 save percentage. I can't wait to watch this goalie develop. We are starting to get some deep goaltending depth. Does GMDM have a trade up his sleeve? Al, Tater, G, Darling, and now Visentin. (I think we have a couple more that I am forgetting, like the red-headed step goalie – I loved him last rookie camp but can't think of his name)

Day 2:

Right Wing – Philip Lane

Center – Oscar Lindberg

Goaltender – Louis Domingue

It looks like we picked some good players and covered all positions well.

Lastly, July 1^st. The big day...

In the time leading up to Free Agency day, GMDM traded off Winnik to the Avs for a 4^th round pick in 2012. I like the move. Winnik took the Coyotes to arbitration last year, so you know it was only a matter of time. GMDM didn't want to resign him, so he got a pick out of it. Perfect.

GMDM was also able to get Wolski signed to a two year contract and Dmo to a four year deal. He also traded off Vandy to Edmonton for Patrick O'Sullivan and bought out his contract. They also bought out Nokelainen's contract.

Whew... what else did GMDM do to earn his pay? Well, he resigned Samu and Montoya each to a one year contract. Then he went out and signed Ray Whitney and Andrew Ebbett.

Then, to apparently help out SA, he signed Mathieu Beaudoin, Garrett Stafford, Nolan Yorkman and Matt Climie. I am excited about Climie, another goalie. Holy crap do we have goalies! I am expecting one goalie to be gone by the start of the season. I vote LaBarbera and/or Tater. Hopefully Al is all healed and ready to step it up.

Unfortunately, GMDM couldn't work his magic and retain Z. He signed with the Penguins. Ewl. Sorry Z, no mo love for you. He attempted to sign Lombo but it appears he did not want to be here either. GMDM said Lombo was asking for ridiculous amounts but signed with Nashville for 3.5 mil. My guess? He was asking for much more, the Coyotes said no, we're done. He went to Free Agency Land and could not get more then the 3.5 that Nashville was offereing.

Lots of changes for the Coyotes. I am guessing we are not done yet. Training camp will be interesting. If we don't add more veteran presence, the youngins will be fighting for spots. Is Turris ready? What about MacLean?

According to Dave Vest, Maloney isn't done. He would still like to add another dman with Z gone and it looking more likely that Sauer will not return. Kurt, you will be missed.

Amusingly, Stempniak has not signed with the Coyotes or anyone else because he is on his honeymoon. I'd wait. Seriously. Get signed then go on the honeymoon. GMDM isn't holding out hope but he isn't ruling him out either.

And other random news: Doug Moss was recently fired as COO by the Coyotes. The website press release says he left to persue other opportunities but when the story first broke, it was he was fired by them. So, who knows. Either way, the Coyotes have moved Mike Nealy to fill the role. He has also worked for the Wild before joining the Coyotes in 2006.

Oh and if your interested... the Coyotes will hold open auditions for Anthem singer. This post was previously held by Patrick Lauder and he has done a terrific job over the years. From my understanding, he was notified of this via Facebook. Story goes, they tried to call him but he was unavailable. Hmmm, ever think to leave a message? Or ask that he call you back asap? Nice way to inform him.

All of these changes will make for an interesting season. Who will we see on the ice? Who will be our new owners? When will this ownership deal FINALLY be done? Oi. Lets just figure it all out so things can return to normal. We should have an owner by the start of the season. By next summer will we have more money and direction for GMDM? Is that why he signed Lepisto and Montoya to one year deals? Were they told that they would received better offers during the season/prior to next summers Free Agency day? I hope so. I think Sami and Al are keepers.

I still have some post ideas I am working on. I wish I could get more up and quicker but this summer is crazy! At the end of July, I will be going on vacation and hope to have some more downtime in which to write.

Hopefully rookie camp will be announced soon and I can get some pics of the new guys.

*Pictures from the Coyotes official site. There are many more gems there. Go check them out! And what is with that cheapass blue curtain? Really NHL? You can't do better then that? And the model shot, jersey over the shoulder... did we go back to the 80s?

While exploring the Coyotes website I came across a short piece by Dave Vest on Kurt Sauer. If you remember, Kurt was having vertigo-like symptoms since the start of the season. Sadly, he did not play this year but was seen at several games and fan events. He is truly a good guy and I hope he is able to return next season.

According to Vest's blurb, Sauer feels he is doing better. He has found a doctor who may be able to stop the headaches and ear ringing. He hopes to be back for training camp. He knows he has got a big summer ahead of him. I know he can do it, so long as he is healthy. Coyotes fans wish him the best of luck and look forward to seeing him at camp.

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In other sad news, the Coyotes team massage therapist, Jukka Nieminen, has passed away. He was only 37 and was to be married on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers are with his fiance, children and the rest of his family.

Click here to read Todd Walsh's short but touching article.

The Coyotes have eight UFAs and five RFAs (now down to four) this off season. With the questions of ownership still looming (I had a whole other article on this but it has changed again...), will Don Maloney be able to get the keepers signed? Looking at the RFAs first... they should be the easiest to sign. Well, unless someone else really, really wants them and gives an amazing offer sheet...

This is the first thing to pop up when you google NHL Free Agent
Courtesy of NHL Sniper.com

Since we have already Signed Scottie Upshall I will start with him. He is definitely a keeper. He was on fire last season before his injury. He had great chemistry with Lombardi (a UFA) and he adds a much needed energy to the team.

Martin Hanzal - keeper. He is still young and still learning. He goes up against other teams big lines and does well defensively. I would like to see him win more face offs and score more consistently. It comes in streaks. And when he is good offensively, he loses his defensive abilities.

Daniel Winnik - no opinion. I wouldn't miss him if he was gone. He's a good fourth liner and penalty killer. He could score more (we really do need some more offense talent..)

Wojtek Wolski  - keeper. I'm biased. I see this kids potential. I noticed it when he was with Colorado and was excited when we got him for Mueller. He needs to come up with a new shoot out move though. We need him to score those goals!

Sami Lepisto - keeper. He improved defensively over the season but lost his scoring touch. He helped Finland earn a bronze at the olympics. This kid will only get better. I would like to see him get some of that scoring mojo back! (Are we seeing a trend here?)

UFAs. Oi, this is much harder since anyone can just sign them and we are left with nothing but a broken heart and empty spot. Then we need to try and sign an outsider to fill the spot, such a hassle! We have four skaters and four D going UFA. Yes, you read that right... FOUR DMEN! If we can't get at least a couple of them signed, we have a lot to work to do or we gotta get the youngens to step up. Either way its a scary thought!

Centers: Lombardi and Lang
Lombardi is definitely a keeper. He is fast and has fantastic chemistry with Upshall. Hopefully the signing of Upshall is a good sign and Lombardi will be inclined to stay. I'm pretty sure Lang is done.He was injured at the end of the season and barely played. And when he did he was ineffective.

Wingers: Pyatt and Stempniak
I could go either way with both of these guys.  Both had good games and both had bad. Pyatt was most effective when he played physically. Stempniak was a scoring machine until the playoffs (where he disappeared). I wouldn't mind keeping both but would only be sad if Pyatt went elsewhere (and that's just for my own viewing pleasure). =]

And now the Dmen...
Morris and Aucoin - attempt to keep them
Schneider - gone
Michalek - truly the only MUST keep

Z is the only must keep. We need his defensive abilities and shot blocking courage. We also need someone steady and trustworthy to be Jovo's keeper until his contract is finally no longer our problem.

Schneider is gone. He's old and not much use. He only played a few games. He was effective ont he point for the power play but that was pretty much all he offered us.

Morris and Aucoin are both guys you try to keep but if it doesn't happen you can look for replacements. DMo has that shot. Aucoin is The Closer. Both provide steady veteran presence. Both would be welcomed back with open arms, especially DMo. We all love DMo.

We have no goalies who are any kind of FA. So that about covers it. Now we just have to sit back, put our feet up and let Maloney do all the hard work!

Also, we have resigned AHLer's Ryan Hollewag and The Real Schlem Shady. Excited about Schlemko. I love that kid. He also showed he can hang with the big boys this season. If we can't get all of the Dmen resigned or get other UFAs, I think he has a good shot at making the team. If not this season, then next. He is coming along nicely.

It looks like the Coyotes have a couple of young, talented dmen ready to make the jump to the big leagues.

First up is Oliver Ekman-Larsson, only 18, who we drafted last year, sixth over all. This kid is pretty much a phenom and I cannot wait to see him play.

In his spare time he is also a super-secret spy...
(google image: from HFBoards)

The past two seasons he has played for Sweden's 2nd highes professional lague. Last year, as the youngest player, he was 3-14-17and a +44 in 39 games. This season? 9-18-27 in 39 games. I was unable to find any indication of is +/- but this kid is very defensively responsible so I would guess it would be quite high.

He also has his fair share of international experience. He earned a bronze at this years World Championship and World Junior Championships. Last year he finished fifth at the Under 18 World Championships. That is a lot of play and a lot of talent.

And he has crazy hair! He will fit right in with the Yotes.
(google image: http://leksandsheart.sportsblogg.se/)

He has now signed an entry level contract with the Coyotes and could be ready for the NHL for the 2010-2011 season. Personally, I think it might be best to start out in San Antonio then call him up. I saw him briefly at rookie camp last summer and he really stood out. I just worry that he will become another Kyle Turris. I guess you give him a chance at training camp and if he has a strong camp, you give him a shot. You can always send him down if it appears he is struggling. I believe GMDM and Tippett would not be afraid to send him down if he has problems. If it were Gretzky... I'd be worried.

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Earlier this year, the Coyotes also signed Michael Stone to an entry level contract. After a successful season he will be leaving the WHL and hoping to make it with the big boys.

Oh wait... this is NOT our Michael Stone. Ours is not a killer.
(google image: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/)

This season he ad 21 goals and 44 assists in 69 games. During the 23 playoff games, he had 5 goals and 15 assists. Another offensive dman to add to our plethora.

Ok... that is MUCH better!
(google image: hockeysfuture.com)

Look for Michaelt to be at this years rookie camp and I would guess training camp. I would figure he will make the San Antonio team. I really don't foresee him jumping right into the NHL like Ekman-Larsson (unless we can't get some UFAs signed). I would definitely think San Antonio over Vegas. The boy seems to have some skill.

I attempted to arrange a trip to Vegas for the Awards show but it just wasn't in the cards. My coworker and I wanted to go but it's pretty much impossible for us to get off for the same dates. Besides, the tickets for the show were over $300. EEKS! I still would have gone for the sun, pool and drinks though!

The show is set for Wednesday, June 23rd at the Palms. The Coyotes have actually been nominated for a few awards this year! Actually, we have already won one and I believe we can snag the others.

Yah, apparently I think I can be a chipendale... with ATTITUDE!
(Picture: my own)

Don Maloney has already won the first ever GM of the Year. He was up against the likes of George McPhee of the Caps and David Poile of the Preds. The award was voted on by the 30 GMs, NHL execs and broadcast & print media. This has to mean a lot to be not only the first recipient of the first award but to basically have your "co-workers" vote that you were the GM of the year. Seems quite prestigious to me.

Dave Tippett has been nominated for the Jack Adams along with Joe Sacco of the Avs and Barry Trotz of the Preds. The Jack Adams trophy recognizes the coach who has contributed the most to his teams success and is voted on by the NHL Broadcasters Association. Not to minimize what Sacco and Trotz did for their team but Tippett should be a shoe-in for this team. The team was a disaster under Gretzky. There was no direction. There was no rhyme or reason. Tippett steps in and suddenly things make sense. We were a team that was supposed to finish dead last this season. We finished 4th in the league. We made it into the playoffs. We took Detroit to game seven. All of this was much more then anyone expected. We achieved what no one thought we could do.

Ilya Bryzgalov has been nominated for the Vezina with Ryan Miller, Olympian extraordinaire and Sabres goalie, and Martin Brudeur, you know that guy that eats donuts and plays for the Devils. The Vezina Trophy is awarded to the goalie who is judged to be the best in this position. Again, Bryz stood on his head this season for the Coyotes. If the Coyotes couldn't have counted on Bryz we would not have been able to even stay in some games. Much props to the guy... he has finally earned my respect as a starter. That alone should give him an edge!

And lastly... Shane Doan was nominated for the Mark Messier Leadership award, along with Sidney Crosby and Ryan Miller. Shane wins. 'Nuff said.

The Coyotes currently have five picks in this years draft, which takes place at the Staples Center in LA from 6/25 - 6/26. We have two first rounders, a second rounder and one each from round four and five. We do not have any picks in rounds three, six and seven.  What does this all mean? Really not much of anything. I can guarantee that GMDM will be wheeling and dealing come draft day, making something out of nothing.

Yes, this is what they look like at draft time...
(pic taken from http://kfb1.wordpress.com/)

Our earlist pick will be 13th, thanks to a deal with Calgary. Our latest pick come in at 138th during round five.

This year I haven't spent much time familiarizing myself with the draftees. Besides, it is unlikely we move into a top 3 (or even top 10) pick, where the much hyped kids will be picked. I'm not worried though. I know whoever GMDM picks will be fantastic and make perfect sense for his vision of where the Coyotes are headed.

If I had to guess, I would say we draft a couple good forwards, as we seem to be well stocked with defensive talent. If there is a goalie, it couldn't hurt to pick him up.

As it gets closer to draft time, I will try to update with some info. The Coyotes usually post some good info on their site and I can gain some insight then.

It seems like ages since I have written anything. After this season, I needed some time off though. I am back, but not sure how back I really am. I have my summer class coming up and it's going to be a tough one and require much time and effort from me.

I haven't been able to watch much hockey since the Coyotes have been out. It seems Cox cable doesn't like the expanded cable people. You have to have digital cable to get Versus, even though I get some crappy channels past Versus. Go Figure. I've watched a few of the Flyers games that have been on NBC.

I am extremely excited that the Penguins and the Red Wings are out. I could not have taken a third year of Penguins versus Red Wings. I would have had to shoot myself. In the foot of course.

I could be wrong, but I think the Cup is coming to the West this year. I love my Flyers but I'm not sure either the Flyers or the Habs can beat the Sharks or the Blackhawks. They both have the tenacity and the want but do they have enough skill and fire power left in them? I don't know, but either way it should be a great, exciting final two rounds!

In other news the City of Glendale has approved paying for some of the losses next season, if a new owner is not in place. Or something along those lines. I tried not to read too much about it because most of it was by the haters. But either way, City of Glendale wants the team here and they are willing to help out a bit if needed. And the Coyotes will be in Phoenix this coming season, not Winnipeg.

I have some ideas for some off-season blogs. I just need to find where I put the list. So stay tuned for that. I plan on finishing the Doan song. I also hope to get up some good player profiles. There is also the NHL Awards, which the Coyotes have three people nominated for different awards. Then we have the draft, rookie camp and of course the pre-training camp camp. I may take a day or two off and go check that out this year. I didn't get to it last year since we didn't have flex days anymore. I also have some pictures I took that I want to post. I just need to go through all of them and find some good ones. I also don't want to re-post ones that I used during the season, but that will be more difficult to figure out.

• My co-worker wants to go to Vegas for the NHL awards. It would be a lot of fun. I'm not sure we could both get the time off work though. Hmmmm.....

I don't care what anyone else thinks (opinions are like assholes, everyone has them), I am so proud of my boys. I would not change a thing about this season.

First there was the bankruptcy. Then Gretzky stepped down right before training camp. We were picked to finish dead last, by everyone (but us fans, we knew). We lost Panger.

But we got Tippett and things started to look up. He said we were a pack. Then we started winning.

We took fourth and stayed there much of the season. We challenged the Sharks for first in the Pacific at on point.

We broke all kinds of records for the franchise. That's 30 years of records that were broken this season.

We were picked to be destroyed by the Wings in the playoffs. We forced them to a game seven. We did not get lucky in game 6. We worked hard and played well against a good team (yes, I can admit when an opponent is good).

It just wasn't in the cards this year but there is always next season. We can only get better.

I am sad the season is over but I am not sad for how it turned out. This season was more then I could have hoped for. I have made so many new friends.

I didn't get to see the game, as I was in class, but on my dive home I was able to listen to the very end. I heard the fans were standing with about 20 seconds left. The boys came to center ice to salute the fans after the handshake. The crowd chanted "Let's Go Coyotes" for them. The fans are still out there chanting "Let's Go Coyotes". Our fans are fantastic! Our players are amazing! I don't know what else I could have asked for this season.

THANK YOU PHOENIX COYOTES FOR AN AMAZING SEASON! I CANNOT WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!