The Phoenix Coyotes have made a bold move today in a clear indication of their intent to push for a playoff spot. The Coyotes shipped young (and injury prone) goaltender Kari Lehtonen off to the Canucks in exchange for Dwayne Roloson and Kristian Huselius. The deal also sees the Coyotes send a 2nd round pick and Marcel Goc to the Canucks.
The Coyotes had initially acquired Lehtonen last season to be the team's franchise goaltender, but things just hadn't worked out as intended. While Lehtonen has been OK this season, his play wasn't at the elite level the Coyotes had hoped, and injury concerns have been mounting, putting his future in doubt. The Coyotes decided to move Lehtonen out rather than risk losing him for nothing due to the injury concenrs.
It was no surprise that the Coyotes moved Goc, as he had been vocal about wanting to be moved out of Phoenix and in to a team where he would see more ice time. It looks like he's gotten his wish, as Goc is expected to get a regular shift with the Canucks, anchoring their 4th line.
Dwayne Roloson joins the Coyotes, having played solid hockey behind a poor Vancouver team for the first half of the season. His numbers are still good, even considering the lack of support he's had in Vancouver, and it is expected he'll be a significant upgrade on Lehtonen for this season, and the following 2 seasons of his contract.
Huselius, the Canucks top scorer, joins an already deep forward roster in Phoenix. It's not clear who he will be playing with, but it seems the Coyotes may ease him into the lineup, giving him icetime on the 3rd line with Miro Satan and Dave Steckel, and likely some PP time as well.
It seems that the addition of Huselius may mean that Selanne's time in the Desert may be coming to an end. It has already been rumoured that the Coyotes were considering moving Selanne if they could find a replacement player, and it is believed that Huselius may be just the type of replacement the Coyotes needed. The Coyotes have reportedly contacted a number of teams looking at options for moving the star sniper. The 'Yotes are looking to improve either their defence or their their centre ice positions (looking for top-2 centre or top-42defence), or may simply be looking for a package of picks / prospects.
Regardless of the upcoming moves, it certainly looks like the Coyotes are pushing to compete this season and are willing to part with significant talent - even Selanne - if it is in the best interest of the team.
