The Arizona Coyotes made it official and hired Bill Armstrong as their new general manager, as reported by Elliotte Friedman on September 15.
As reported here, things are certainly heading in direction of Bill Armstrong as next Coyotes GM, although nothing is done until it is done. https://t.co/17F8OPqVxw
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 16, 2020
Bill Armstrong Has Work Cut Out
Steve Sullivan had been filling in as interim general manager until the interview process could be completed. Others who were considered were Sean Burke, and keeping Sullivan on as the permanent GM. The Coyotes are facing multiple issues as Armstrong steps in to a hornet’s nest of issues. The team was penalized for training violations of prospects and lost two draft picks over the next two years. One of the main reasons Armstrong was selected is because of his excellent draft selections he assisted the Blues with in their draft. There certainly won’t be any violations with him in charge.
Other issues include all kinds of trade rumours involving Oliver Ekman-Larsson and star goalie Darcy Kuemper. He will need to see what ownership wants to do about expiring contracts. There are three restricted free agents and three unrestricted free agents, including Taylor Hall. As noted, he will be one busy man with all these challenges.
What This Means Going Forward
In Armstrong, the Arizona Coyotes are getting a well respected, knowledgeable hockey mind. With any luck he will be able to build up the team’s status and grow their prospects pool. He was the Director of Ametuer Scouting with St. Louis, so who better to entrust the team’s future prospects? Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo made it clear he was not happy with how John Chayka, the team’s former general manager, left. The league is now investigating to see if Arizona had any illegalities involved. For Meruelo, he felt betrayed after supporting Chayka. Again, it’s very doubtful that Meruelo will have those challenges with Armstrong. The Coyotes now hope Armstrong can bring some respectability to the franchise. Coming from a Stanley Cup winner, Armstrong’s reputation is exactly what this team needs.
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