The Arizona Coyotes have been the center of a lot of buzz around the NHL as of late. The team’s proposed arena project in Tempe has been disapproved leading to many questions about the team’s future in Arizona. Furthermore, Coyote’s star forward Clayton Keller has also been the center of many rumours. These rumours come following a series of controversial tweets from the account of Keller’s father. Although Keller’s father has since gone on record claiming his account was hacked and the tweets were not from him.
However, many believe that Clayton Keller’s future with the team could be coming to an end. If that is the case there will be many teams league-wide inquiring about the winger’s services. Especially following a breakout campaign that saw him net 86 points. If Keller is indeed on the way out, which teams around the league would be the best fit for Clayton Keller?
Coyotes Clayton Keller Trade Destinations
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche may be the most likely destination for Keller. The Avalanche just got word that the team’s star left winger and captain Gabriel Landeskog will miss the entire 2023-24 campaign following surgery. This puts Landeskog’s career into question as he already missed the entire 2022-23 season. Landeskog’s absence leaves a gaping hole on the left side of the team’s top six. Insert Clayton Keller. Keller alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen would be unfair to the opposition, to say the least. The trio would instantly be one of the top lines in the league.
Colorado does need the offense that Keller could provide. Without Nazem Kadri and Landeskog, the team’s offensive depth was challenged in the playoffs. The Avalanche fell to the Seattle Kraken in the first round. A disappointing effort to say the least, especially following a Stanley Cup-winning season. Clayton Keller to the Avalanche makes a lot of sense and he could help the Avs get back in the winner’s circle.
New York Islanders
Another team that is in desperate need of an offensive dynamo is the New York Islanders. The Isles have been one of the top defensive squads in the league for some time. Not to mention getting stellar goaltending from Ilya Sorokin. However, the team’s offence has often been called into question. Outside of Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee, and Brock Nelson, there is much left to be desired up front for the Isles. Newly acquired and signed forward Bo Horvat struggled down the stretch and in the playoffs. Much can be said for the rest of the offence as well during the playoffs. Adding an offensive stud the caliber of Keller would do wonders for the team. Especially with rumours that winger Josh Bailey‘s days with the team may be numbered.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings are another team that could be a great fit for Clayton Keller. The Wings young core is exiting their rebuild and are primed to push for a playoff berth in the coming seasons. At only 24, Keller would fit the timeline of the Red Wings young core. Keller would add to the Wings growing core alongside Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Moritz Seider. Not to mention the likes of Marco Kasper, Simon Edvinsson, and Sebastian Cossa. Kasper made his NHL debut for the team this past season.
The Wings have the cap space to acquire him as well with a projected 8 million in cap space. Contracts like Alex Chiasson, Adam Erne, and Mark Pysyk will also likely be coming off the books. The team only has minor RFA’s to sign as well such as Joseph Veleno and Matt Luff who likely won’t be commanding much money. Adding Clayton Keller could be the boost the team needs to get them back into the postseason.
If any of these three teams have the opportunity to add Keller they would be wise to do so. At only 24, Keller has already hit the point-per-game mark, and his potential only continues to climb. It’s not often a young star of Keller’s caliber hits the trade market. With the Arizona Coyotes’ future uncertain, now would be the time for teams to call on Coyote’s Clayton Keller.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
