(AP) Phoenix - Looking over the Phoenix Coyotes training camp roster it is evident that there will be a number of very interesting battles this year for players looking to soidify an appropriate role on the team.
The one place there doesn't seem to be much of a battle is in the top 6 forwards. Tim Connolly will most likely begin the season as the #1 Centre, supported by FA acquisition Doug Weight. It is unclear which wingers will be playing on the top line, but most likely we will see Slava Kozlov and Teemu Selanne playing with Connolly as these three had flashes of chemistry last season. Joining Weight on the 2nd line will be FA acquisition Mark Recchi and the resurgent Owen Nolan.
The 3rd and 4th forward lines are where things really get interesting. Jim Slater, David Steckel and Ian Laperriere are the most linkely candidates to earn spots on either the 3rd or 4th line. All three bring a solid defensive game with plenty of toughness and energy and can play on the penalty kill. Beyond these three things get interesting. There are no fewer than eight players with a legitimate shot at those last remaining roster spots with the Coyotes. Solid veterans Craig Adams, Dan LaCoutuure, and Aaron Asham would all bring a veteran defensive presence to the team, while we can expect younger guys Ryan Craig and Yan Stastny to get a long hard look at camp, as both players have shown potential as solid bottom line players. Veteran Mark Parrish is sure to have an inside track to a spot with the pro club, but because of his poor play in his own end the Coyotes may be hesitant to use him in a checking role. Mark may well find himself as a healthy scratch, only to be used when one of the top 6 forwards is out with injury. Tht could be a tough pill to swallow for both Parrish and the Coyotes (who are paying him over 3 Million). The final battle in the bottom forwrad lines may be between centremen Marcel Goc and Krys Kolanos. Goc brings a solid defensive game, and excellent faceoff abilities, while Kolanos brings speed and a little bit of scorind depth. While Goc is a more typical 3rd or 4th line centre, Kolanos may get a look if the Coyotes are wanting to add some scoring to their 3rd or 4th lines.
The competition on the blue line is not quite as fierce, but it is certainly still interesting. The Coyotes will most likely start the season with a top 4 of Roman Hamrlik, Bruno Gervais, Scott Hannan, and Johnny Oduya. Similar to the situation with the forwards, the team seems to have made clear from the start which players will be in the top 2 lines. However, there is some competition there on defence as Carlo Colaicovo brings intreaguing offensive upside which may be needed in the top 4 if the team is looking for more production from their defensemen. Most likely though, Coliacovo will be paired with FA acquisition, steady defenceman, Andreas Lilja. The 7th and 8th positions are where things get interesting. Steady defensive d-man Ken Huskins is the most likely candidate for the 7th spot, however Christian Backman will be doing his best to get into the lineup and pass Huskins in the rotation. A darkhorse to keep an eye on is Brian Pothier, who's health is a question mark, but he has a lot he can bring to the table as a veteran guy who has the ability to handle the puck and is defensively sound. Longshots include Brian Helmer, Jay Leach, and Josef Boumedienne.
Finally we take a look between the pipes. As with the top 6 forwards and the top 4 defensemen, there is no question who is the top goaltender in Phoenix. Kari Lehtonen will be key for the Coyotes if they hope to have any success this season. However, Kari is not a guy who can play a heap of games, so the backup for Phoenix is going to play a huge role for the team. There is a solid battle between the pipes for the coyotes. Both Patrick Lalime and Yann Danis have a shot at making the big club, and it is anyone's guess who will start the season backing up Lehtonen. It is entirely possible that the Coyotes start the year carrying three goaltenders.
It is evident that the Coyotes have a pile of depth. While the top line's all appear basicly set in stone, there are some very interesting battles to watch as the Coyotes enter camp. GM Vardy is in a position where he could trade some depth players, but he may opt to hang on for now as it is certainly a bonus to have guys you are comfortable bringing into the linup in case of injuries.
