Arizona Coyotes Look to Rise Above

The Arizona Coyotes will look to the 2023-24 season as their opportunity to rise above their lowly status in the NHL as they continue to build to the future.

2022-23

Record: 28-40-14 (70 pts) – 7th in Central

Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

Key Losses

Christian Fischer (F – DET), Zack Kassian (F – UFA via Buyout), Patrik Nemeth (D – UFA via Buyout), Connor Mackey (D – NYR)

Key Additions

Jason Zucker (F), Sean Durzi (D), Nick Bjugstad (F), Alexander Kerfoot (F), Troy Stetcher (D), Matt Dumba (D). Travis Dermott (D)

2023-24 Preview

The 2022-23 season was a challenging one for the Arizona Coyotes. They finished with a regular season record of 28-40-14, earning a total of 70 points. This placed them in 7th position in the Central Division. Unfortunately, the Coyotes did not qualify for the playoffs.

Overcoming Another Grueling Start

For the second year in a row the Coyotes will be faced with another rough start to their season. Before the season even begins the Coyotes will participate in the 2023 NHL Global Series against the Los Angeles Kings in Melbourne, Australia. Once they return they’ll start the season on the East Coast, and will play six of their first nine games on the road. That’ll be followed with three games at home before going on the road again for a five game road trip. It won’t be until Nov. 28th when the Coyotes will get their first extended homestand (five games through Dec. 7th).

For perspective, the Coyotes started last season on a six-game trip (2-4-0), then played four games at home (1-2-1) and 14 in a row on the road (4-7-3). Arizona would have a record of 7-13-4 by the time they returned home for a game Dec. 9, 2022.

Mullett Magic 2.0

Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, the Arizona Coyotes will be aiming to improve upon their performance and compete for a better positioning in the standings. In an effort to aid the Coyotes efforts to rise above their detractors, they had a very successful draft and free agency.

The Coyotes went out and signed forward Jason Zucker as their biggest free agent signing. With Zucker, they will look to him add veteran leadership that can help the Coyotes make that next big step in their rebuild.

Also coming to Arizona is defenseman Matt Dumba, who signed a one year deal. Dumba will add some veteran experience on back end, and bring a little more security to the blue line.

Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.