You can criticize the Arizona Coyotes all you want for playing in a city that does not appear to want to support its hockey team. But when it comes to supporting their young players, general manager Don Maloney and head coach Dave Tippett deserve nothing but praise.
While the Edmonton Oilers keep setting their No. 1 draft picks up for failure by placing them into situations that are unfair and unrealistic, the Coyotes have taken a more pragmatic approach to developing their top picks.
They preach patience. Most of all, they do what’s best for the player and the long-term health of the franchise, not the fair-weather fans who are screaming for a star to get excited about.