Much like the NHL Draft, the Arizona Coyotes treated the start of free agency with a futuristic mindset.
With the team under construction, planning the present simultaneously flows with adding strength for the future.
In addition to signing free agents Laurent Dauphin, Troy Stecher, Nick Bjugstad, Bokondji Imama and Josh Brown, the Coyotes acquired defenseman Patrik Nemeth and two future second-round draft picks from the New York Rangers.
“We’ve haven’t shied away from telling everybody in the world that we’re trying to acquire draft picks,” General Manager Bill Armstrong said.
The Coyotes are in the same position as last summer in terms of the rebuild, but hope to see the free agents adding an extra edge to the younger core.