The writing was on the wall by mid season last year that the Arizona Coyotes were going nowhere. So the organization prioritized their core, moved some older veterans, cleared cap, focused on development and waited for the off season.

The terrible season yielded the Coyotes the 2nd overall pick in the draft with which the teams selected Matvie Michkov. The highly skilled forward is a longer term project who is tearing it up in the KHL will  be a future be a star for Arizona .

Management then turned their eye to the present. It was felt that the core was sold and with a few key additions, the Coyotes could contend. A limited number of  quality UFAs were targeted, and while they all didnt choose to sign with Arizona, a few important players did, namely OEL, Bryan Rust and Alexis Gravel. With a solid deep pool of youth assets and substantial cap space remaining, Arizona decided that it could afford to go out and pay the price to acquire some top talent in the trade market. Perennial star Sean Couturier was brought in to take the well talented team to the next level. And this he did with the Coyotes hitting their stride right out the gate going 13-2-1. When it became obvious that Arizona was going to be a force, the organization went all in and spent a fair amount of youth equity to acquire elite forward and pending UFA Timo Meier. A big price to pay for a rental with the risk of breaking up the teams chemistry. However, Meier helped alleviate this concern by immediately gelling with his new linemates contributing 2 assists in his first game.

The Coyotes top 6 forwards are a powerhouse with Couturier centring Buchnevich and Rantenen, and Hischier centring Domi and Meier.

The bottom 6 in Arizona are deep! They're a checking and defensive juggernut who can add to the score sheet. Rust, Iaffalo, Olafsson, Mikheyev, Gourde and Cizikas will fight it out for regular and PK ice time.

The defense led by OEL hopefully is up to the task of continuing to give the solid netminding tandem of Jarry and Gravel the support they need.

It appears that the pieces are in place in Arizona to make a run for the cup this year.  But as we all know, the sim is a fickle thing!

WINNIPEG, MB -- It’s no secret the Los Angeles Kings were on the hunt for more scoring as they opened their season with good, but not great results. 

Thankfully Viktor Arvidsson knows a thing or two about putting the puck in the back of the net. 

The Kings on Wednesday acquired the winger from the Vegas Golden Knights in the first trade of their season after an offseason that saw a total of three deals consummated. 

The Kings sent defender Caleb Jones, prospect Olivier Nadeau and a pair of draft picks (s8 LAK 1st, s9 LAK 2nd) to the Golden Knights for someone general manager Chris Baker called “an elite scorer.” 

“He brings an excellent shot, and the ability to score in all areas, and without question is on the verge of having a career year but has over the past several years been a 30-35 goal scorer,” Baker said. “And I think that’s going to add to our chances of winning a Stanley Cup.” 

Arvidsson, 29, is a pending free agent at the end of next season and was one of the Kings’ top targets in the offseason. After moving Tomas Hertl to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defender Matt Dumba, Baker and the Kings were quietly on the hunt for someone to replace the forward’s production. It took some time, but with Arvidsson they feel they have their man. 

“He’s an elite scorer,” said Baker. “I mean the guy has averaged 37 goals over the past six seasons. We like what he brings.” 

The former Golden Knights alternate captain could give the Kings the scoring boost they’ve been looking for to start the season. Arvidsson had an immediate impact in his first game with his new team scoring twice and adding an assist in a Kings 6-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets last night. So far this season, he has scored six goals and has 15 points in 17 games. 

“(I have been) going to the right areas and putting myself in positions to score those goals or make those plays,” Arvidsson said after the win. 

Arvidsson has 449 points in 509 regular-season as well as 228 goals over that span. 

Bo Horvat matched an OCHL record by scoring five times with four goals coming in the second period as the Los Angeles Kings won their first game, 7-3 over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night.  Horvat is the second player to score five goals in a game and the first since Sebastian Aho accomplished the feat two seasons ago for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

"It's definitely a rewarding feeling," Horvat said. "You've spent a lot of years working to get to this point and to be rewarded for it is a pretty good feeling and it just leaves you hungrier."

Horvat's offensive explosion helped Los Angeles score six times in the first 12:11 of the second period.

"That was an amazing performance by Bo, and really, the whole group set the table," Kings coach Barry Trotz said. "I thought the energy, the collective effort, the focus to start was really good and enabled that to happen."

Ethan Cardwell had four assists, Alex DeBrincat had three helpers of his own and rookie Kyle Jackson scored his first NHL regular season goal after scoring four times in 13 playoff games a season ago. Connor Brown also scored his first of the season. Jean-Gabriel Pageau picked up a pair of assists while Juuse Saros stopped 34 shots for his first win of the season.

Akil Thomas, Liam Foudy and Yegor Sokolov each scored for Edmonton.

Yaroslav Askarov stopped 16 shots before being pulled in the second period in favour of Ilya Konovalov, who stopped 15 shots through the remainder of the second period and beyond.

Edmonton has lost three straight games to open the season.

"We didn't have an answer for that one line," Oilers coach Bruce Cassidy said. "Bo Horvat just tore us up tonight."

For the Kings, they have tonight off before heading to Vancouver to take on Connor McDavid and the Western Conference leading Canucks on Saturday night.

Preseason Power Rankings

What a whirlwind two weeks of preseason in the books!  We are starting to see the teams come together and we are getting a new power ranking to celebrate the completion of the preseason.  There are some wild changes in the rankings, a new first overall!  And we will look at each teams preseason MVP!

1.  Tampa Bay Lightning:

Pre Free Agency – 10

Post Free Agency – 6

The new number one, Linus Ullmark has been a Machine!  Posting a 0.926 save percentage and 2.34 GAA.  This amazing effort has catapulted the Lightning to a 7-2-1 record over the preseason.  If he can continue this play in the regular season the Lighting will be setup well for a playoff run.

2. Vancouver Canucks

Pre Free Agency – 19

Post Free Agency – 4

Vancouver has done a great job all off season to build a winner, but there is no doubt John Carlson is the MVP right now.  As a defender he is leading this team in points with 11 through 10 games.  While this pace is not likely to carry over to the regular season; if he can be even half as effective during the regular season his support crew with Connor McDavid and Rickard Rakell will appreciate it.

3. Edmonton Oilers

Pre Free Agency – 15

Post Free Agency – 7

Akil Thomas has gone on beast mode during Preseason play.  9 goals, 14 points, 21.95% shoot percentage, and only 3 of those goals coming on the powerplay!  Every coach is now trying to draw up game plans to limit his effectiveness during the regular season.

4. Buffalo Sabers

Pre Free Agency – 6

Post Free Agency – 11

I am giving the Edge to Brock Boeser but it could have easily been Jordan Bennington.  Brock leads the league in points with 16 and assists with 10.  He will be a key cog in this offensive juggernaut as they look to roll preseason success into the regular season.

5. Arizona Coyotes

Pre Free Agency – 2

Post Free Agency – 3

There isn’t a clear MVP for the Yotes, arguably there most complete player would be Mikko Rantanen, he shares a team lead in points (9), goals (4), top 5 in hits (16).  The do everything forward is key to Arizona’s success, and he is showing why he is the leader for this organization.

  6. Boston Bruins

Pre Free Agency – 18

Post Free Agecny – 17

The big winners from free agency have done well so far this preseason, the team’s MVP comes from their roster before free agency David Pastrnak.  He has been a force putting up 12 points, 6 goals, 6 assists with 24 hits, leading the Bruins in points and hits.

7. Winnipeg Jets

Pre Free Agency – 11

Post Free Agency – 2

Dylan Larkin is the King of Winnipeg…not sure if that is really a good thing, but he is the MVP!  He leads the team in points with 13, shots 30, and penalty minutes…? With 24.  Who knew he was such a thug.  Larkin is doing everything to fire up his team and keep the wins rolling.

8. Philadelphia Flyers

Pre Free Agency – 17

Post Free agency – 1

There isn’t a real standout with the Flyers, they have a lot of positives on the team, the edge goes to Sean Couturier he shares the team lead in points (11), goals (4), and has the second most hits (23).  There is no doubt anyone can step up for Philly but they will lean on Sean moving into the regular season.

9. Dallas Stars

Pre Free Agency – 1

Post Free Agency – 12

Whenever you see a defender at the top of a team’s points stats they deserve MVP, and Darnell Nurse is leading the team with 11 points in 10 games.  I find it hard to believe Nurse will continue this rabid pace into the regular season, but if he continues to be this effective, he will help carry Dallas into the playoffs.

10. Anaheim Ducks

Pre Free Agency – 4

Post Free Agency – 5

Leon Draisaitl has been a shooting machine; he has launched 48 shots on goal.  The results have not produced as many goals (6 a team lead) that he would have liked, but if the torrid pace of shots continue it will eventually lead to more goals.  Leon is the focal point for the Ducks offense and their entire season will go as far as he can carry them.

11. St. Louis Blues

Pre Free Agency – 9

Post Free Agency – 14

Connor Hellebuyck is a Star, clearly, 0.934 save percentage with a 2.00 GAA with a 4-1-1 record through 6 games.  The Blues have leaned heavily on their goaltending during the preseason to find success.  Connor has stepped up to the challenge and he will be the guy for the Blues as they head into the regular season.

12. Florida Panthers

Pre Free Agency – 17

Post Free Agency – 14

The number 2 goalie has been the team’s best player during the preseason.  Obviously, we don’t expect Cam Talbot to be the number one or carry over this pace in the regular season but sitting at 0.942 save percentage and 1.91 GAA over 4 games…WHAT!?  While he can’t win a game on his own, he has the ability to keep his team in every game.

13. LA Kings

Pre Free Agency – 5

Post Free Agency – 15

Bo Hovart has put up a ridiculous 9 goals through 10 games of the preseason!  He has a shooting percentage of 24.32%!  He has also thrown 28 hits during the preseason while averaging 19 minutes a game.  Oh, and with all those hits, not one penalty!  Keep you head up when he is on the ice because he will make you pay on both the score board and the body.

14. New Jersey Devils

Pre Free Agency – 7

Post Free Agency – 8

Young defender Miro Heiskanen has been a minute eating beast for the Devils.  He averages 23 minutes a game.  Put up 6 assists through the last 10 games, he is a +3 rating, and he has thrown 21 shots on net.  The team will continue to look to Heiskanen in the regular season as he evolves his game.

15. Minnesota Wild

Pre Free Agency – 3

Post Free Agency – 10

He leads the team in goals (4), points (9), Shots (40), and +/- (+5) the wild have found a great addition in Colin White.  He may play mostly on the second line Collin is making the most of this time on the ice and has produced better then Star forward Sydney Crosby to lead this team during preseason.

16. Detroit Redwings

Pre Free Agency – 13

Post Free Agency – 18

With a ton of big names, it is Timo Meier that has exploded onto the scene in Detroit.  Leading the team with Goals (6), PIM (24), and +/- (+5) rating he has come into this team loaded with stars and jumped slid nicely into the top 6 and help catapult this team during the preseason.

17. Vegas Knights

Pre Free Agency – 16

Post Free Agency – 16

Brady Tkachuk is back in Vegas after free agency, and he has been a force!  A shared lead in goals (4), Points (9) and hits (36), he is the heart and soul of the Knights.  Brady Tkachuk is the kind of player every team wishes they had on their roster playing tough as nails and potting in a ton of points, they will continue to lean on him as they make a bid for the post season this year.

18. Toronto Maple Leafs

Pre Free Agency – 8

Post Free Agency – 19

Nicklas Backstrom has been the best member on the Leafs, they have some growing and adjustments that need to be taken care of before the regular season starts, but Backstrom has been solid.  Putting up 4 goals, 4 assists and 8 points to lead the team in each category. 

19. Ottawa Senators

Pre Free Agency – 20

Post Free Agency – 9

Brayden Point is the team leader in goals (4), Points (9), and hits (23).  Playing the do everything roll on the Senators they are relying on Brayden to continue to push his game into the regular season.  The success for the team will need him to keep up this successful pace.

20. Calgary Flames

Pre Free Agency – 22

Post Free Agency – 20

He shares the team lead in goals (5), assists (4), and points (9) but got the edge to be named MVP because of his positive rating (+4).  JT Compher has been putting pucks in the back of net with a 19% shooting percentage.  I am sure Calgary will want to see him shoot a little more often to see more success come there way.

21. Columbus Blue Jackets

Pre Free Agency – 12

Post Free Agency – 21

Ummm…who had Pavel Zacha as the go to for any team before the preseason started?  If you did you are a much smarter and better man, then I am.  Leading the team with 7 goals and 10 points Zacha has been on a mission to prove he can carry this team to a post season run.  If the rest of the Jackets pick it up this team could surprise come the regular season.

22. Colorado Avalanche

Pre Free Agency – 23

Post Free Agency – 23

35% shooting percentage, this can’t be feasible to continue into the regular season, right?  Adam Henrique has been the best shooter on the Avalanche with 7 goals and 9 points to lead his team.  NONE OF THIS HAS COME ON THE POWER PLAY!  Let’s see what he does for an encore during the regular season.

23. Montreal Canadiens

Pre Free Agency – 24

Post Free Agency – 22

James Reimer must be screaming ZUT ALORS at his team a fair bit.  His record 4-6-0 does not reflect the effort he has put in boasting a 0.924 save percentage with a 2.69 GAA, that is good for top 8 in the league for starting goaltenders.  The Habs have a chance to surprise the league and it will depend on Reimer carrying his success to the regular season.

24. New York Rangers

Pre Free Agency – 21

Post Free Agency – 24

Umm…*checks notes, Vinnie Hinostroza is the MVP for the Rangers, 8 goals…8 goals! For his team and an impressive shooting percentage of 24% while only averaging 15 minutes of ice time.  Talk about making the most of your opportunity to play.  I can’t wait to see how he continues during the regular season.

For the Colorado fans last season there was high expectations for the team to make a deep run in the playoffs.  The team that was constructed to win now with the hiring of Gerald Gallant as it's coach, it was the expectations that the coach would get them over the hump just a Scotty Bowman did for the Detroit Red Wings.  The Avs fans soon realized Joe Sakic, Petr Forsberg or Patrick ROy were not coming through the locker room to rescue the season or playoffs.  Gerald Gallant was dismissed as the head coach of the Avs during the off season.  In statement released by the team owner Scrooge McDuck via his Twitte page, it read "we have announced that head coach Gerald Gallant has been relieved of his duties, the team wan to thank Gerald and his family for his contributions to the team".

As the off season began, GM Dennis Smith priorities was to sign FA's to fill rosters spots left open with its own FA's departing to other teams via FA. Even though the Avs had a little more star power they lack of depth which in turn hurt them towards the end of the season and playoffs.  They had to count of young players in key spots during the season due to injuries or some veteran players play dipped.  To shake things up, the Avs traded LW Alex Iafallo and G Alex Nedeljkovic to the Coyotoes for RW Taylor Raddysh with their Coyotes year 8 #2 draft picks. The other key free agents that signed with the Avs was Eric Staal (provide veteran leadership) and Valtteri  Filppula (4th line defensive C) also Josh Archibald along Teddy Blueger both signed one year deals.  Petr Mrazek signed a 2 year deal to be stopped gap as Jesper Wallstedt gets ready to take over the net minding duties.   The biggest splash that was made by the GM was signing D John Klingberg.   Klingberg is a puck moving defensemen on the power play and has the unique skill to hammer a slap shot home from the blue line.  When he was asked by the signing GM Smith stated “at times last year we didn’t move the puck well on the power play which caused it to stall at times”.  So with the “Post Free Agent Power Rankings” out, let’s see if the Avs can move up the ranking board.