With 7 games played, Coyotes management are beginning to identify team weaknesses and are seeing who may be expendable.

While the Coyotes have played well, their PP has struggled and they seem to be missing a consistent presence on the back end to run the first PP unit.  Colaiacovo has been asked to fill this roll so far this season, but he has struggled, and the team is also having a hard time determining how Colaiacovo fits into the roster in 5-on-5 situations.  It appears the Coyotes are looking to address this issue via trade as the team has begun contacting other GMs in search of a top-end defenceman.  The team is reportedly looking for a true #1 defenceman.  Coyotes management are looking for a guy who can play top minutes 5-on-5, who can run the powerplay, and who is reliable in his own end.  Obviously such players are hard to come by, but the Coyotes intend to be patient in the hopes of finding the right fit.  They were reportedly close to landing Hainsey from the Canucks, but the team was not willing to part with as significant a package as the Canucks eventually got from the Thrashers.

In addition to Colaiacovo, it also looks like Marcel Goc might be on his way out of Phoenix.  The team has shifted a number of players in and out of the bottom two lines, and it is beginning to appear as if Marcel Goc is the odd man out.  Goc was figured to be the team's 4th line Centre and 2nd unit PK centre, providing strength in the faceoff circle (94 FO) and youth and energy to the team.  However, with an excess of strong 3rd and 4th liners, the Coyotes are looking to give Goc a chance at more icetime elsewhere.

While it is unlikely the Coyotes will make any moves in the immediate future, it should be interesting to see how things shape up on the blueline in Phoenix as the season progresses.

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Additional Notes:

As noted, the Coyotes are looking for a top end D.  Criteria include:
Strong PH, PA, and decent DF.
Good SK, DI, DU
Contract not an issue as the Coyotes have tons of cap room.

In return for such a player, the Coyotes are open to many options, but would suggest one of the following:

Package of picks - could move 1st rounder(s) and/or 2nd rounders and/or later picks.  Obviously the package would depend on the player and their age/contract.  We will only move a 1st if we are getting a guy who can contribute long-term.

Package of players - Goc is the only forward available off the pro team,  but essentially any farmer forward could move.  On defence, we could move any farm defender and/or any of Colaiacovo, Huskins, Oduya, Gervais. We could move 2 of these D in a package to get an upgrade.

Interested teams are asked to contact Coyotes management via ICQ, PM, or e-mail.