The Future

Obviously the theme for the rest of the season is the future. This team has plenty of youthful talent, and it’s only a matter of time before we see it flourish or collapse. While it is important to develop this youth, it is more important to surround the youth with some proven NHL talent. This idea is easier said than done, and even harder when your team is going through ownership issues. Spending money wisely will be the key to the off season, as it is in all our lives these days. In the next few days I will highlight some potential free agents that could fit this team well. From the poll, it is pretty apparent the Coyotes need help on defense This is a team that has some depth, but still could use an NHL veteran in each position. One way the Coyotes have saved money by bringing talent to the team is the draft. Well there is a way to by pass the draft, and help the team with a young puck moving defenseman. The young man’s name is Matt Gilroy.
Matt Gilroy is a senior defenseman at Boston University. Because he is older, Matt is a complete free agent. Players like Matt tend to go under the radar, but let me fill you in on the Terrier captain and fellow Long Islander. Gilroy is a player that has battled through tough times on and off the ice. When Gilroy was searching for colleges, he was told by the BU coach to look elsewhere for hockey. Gilroy walked on his freshman year and hasn’t looked back. But off the ice Gilroy faced tragedy, as his brother passed away at a young age. Gilroy will always wear number 97 in his brother’s honor. After having solid sophomore and junior seasons, Gilroy was expected to leave for the NHL. In fact, his coach told him to go take the NHL offers. Well in the end the BU coach actually gave away Gilroy’s scholarship to another player in anticipation of Gilroy’s exit to the NHL. Matt came back because he felt things ended badly the year before.
This season BU is a team favored to win it all. Gilroy has 8 goals and 21 assists, having a phenomenal season. Gilroy brings a lot to the table for a potential suitor. Gilroy is a smart player, but his best asset is his skating ability. Gilroy can move quickly in the defensive zone, and then making a solid first pass. This is something the Coyotes desperately need from any of their defenseman. Gilroy is going to be tough to grab because every NHL team is going to be making an offer. This is where Maloney needs to shine and convince this young man that he will be able to play right away under Gretzky, while competing for a playoff spot. Phoenix is one of the few teams in the NHL that can offer Matt a chance to play with players his age, while having the playoffs a realistic goal. Gilroy would be a much cheaper option than the free agent market. Cheap is something we all know will open Maloney’s eyes. But in all seriousness, Matt Gilroy can become a solid puck moving defenseman in the desert and the Coyotes need this man for the present and future.