Conor Timmins had a hard time getting into the lineup with a deep Colorado Avalanche team. That won’t be a problem with the Arizona Coyotes this season, especially after signing a two-year, $850K deal today.
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Conor Timmins Signs with Coyotes
The Coyotes got the young defenceman and a first-round pick in a deal for goaltender Darcy Kuemper in July. The well-regarded Timmins got into 31 regular-season games this season and acquitted himself decently in limited time. He didn’t score but did manage seven assists in 13:30 average ice time, and even dressed for all 10 playoff games. His ice time dropped to 10 minutes there, and with Bowen Byram coming? Well, it wasn’t going to get easier.
His fate was sealed when Colorado lost Phillip Grubauer to Seattle and needed a replacement starter. Arizona had brought in a lot of older veterans, so having the 22-year old Timmins in to get a regular shift now is ideal. He’s even taking a small hit on his total salary this season, but that’s the nature of being a 10.2c restricted free agent. With little experience to point to and even less leverage, it’s a good situation for both player and team.
What It Means
The Coyotes do have players signed on the right side – Anton Stralman and Ilya Lyubushkin. Timmins isn’t being handed his ice time. That being said, the two veterans are in the final years of those contracts. He is going to get every chance to claim a regular spot, starting now. And right now that’s the way to bet.
Timmins isn’t a star, and that shouldn’t be expected of him. What he is is a “good at everything” player who can step into any role needed. Don’t ask him to work the front of the net, but otherwise the 23-year old is solid. He’s played both special teams and can eat minutes if necessary. Pretty much everything you could expect of a defenceman picked 32nd overall.
He may well do more. Here’s his chance to prove it.
