The Arizona Coyotes are close to signing forward Drake Caggiula. The deal is reportedly for one year at this time. The is the first significant signing for Arizona in several weeks. John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM in Phoenix revealed the two parties were close early Monday afternoon.
Coyotes are close to signing former Oiler and Blackhawk center Drake Caggiula to a one year deal.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) December 21, 2020
Coyotes Repotedely Sign Drake Caggiula
The 26-year-old Caggiula has a fine season in 2019-20 as a bottom-six contributor for the Chicago Blackhawks. He scored nine goals and 15 points in 40 games. He was also credited with 81 hits and 16 blocks. Caggiula was injured for a large chunk of the year from late November to early January. His scoring might have easily surpassed its previous career-best of 12 goals and 23 points in 55 games during the 2018-19 season if he had stayed healthy. Caggiula is not a great possession skater with a career 48.3 Corsi For, but he has a knack for scoring in bursts thanks to good shooting percentages.
The Edmonton Oilers signed the undrafted 5’-10” skater after a productive career at the University of North Dakota. That is where Caggiula scored 62 goals and 127 points in 162 games. He played in 156 games for Edmonton before they shipped him to Chicago as part of a trade for Brandon Manning and Robin Norell. Overall, the Pickering, ON native has 41 goals and 76 points in 222 games.
Where Caggiula Fits in Arizona
This signing looks like a solid depth move for the Coyotes. He has good scoring instincts despite a lack of draft pedigree. Arizona has often struggled to find offence, so this move has the potential to make the team’s front office look very smart. A one-year contract is worth the risk in a season as strange as 2020-21. The team is currently a few million over the cap ceiling of $81.5 million, but there is time for Arizona to clear out salary room before training camps begin in the near future.
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