The Arizona Coyotes spent some of their draft capital, bringing in Sean Durzi from the Los Angeles Kings.
🚨 Trade Alert! We've acquired Sean Durzi from the LA Kings in exchange for a 2024 2nd Round Pick (via Montreal)
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— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 24, 2023
Sean Durzi Hits the Desert
One of the ongoing stories this offseason is what exactly the future of the Arizona Coyotes will be. The team is playing in a 4,600-seat arena with an uncertain future ahead of it.
That, however, doesn’t permit them to duck the salary cap or forego playing the games. As expected, the team has focussed on reducing salaries and getting younger – including collecting draft picks. In this case, their interests meshed.
One of four second-round picks scheduled for 2024 was spent bringing the 24-year-old defender into the fold. Durzi is on the second year of a two-season, $1.4 million per contract, after which he’ll be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
Durzi is currently Arizona’s highest-paid defenceman.
For the Kings, they move a piece from an already-strong position – and much in demand – position. Both Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence are looking for right-side defenceman roles in 2023-24.
As a bonus, they replace their own 2024 second-round pick sent to the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this month.
What This Means
For the Coyotes
They add a piece who is under team control in his next deal and at a valuable position. His age is ideal for Arizona, as they need to focus on a few years into the future when they will hopefully be in a new home.
Durzi is an offensive defenceman, as suits his smaller (6′ 185lbs) size. He’s a good skater who loves to push play up the ice whenever possible – and sometimes when not. He is versatile enough to play either side of the ice.
He’s played a fair amount on both special teams for the Kings in his two seasons, though his defence is an ongoing project. He is fun to watch, and if the Coyotes are going to sell tickets that won’t hurt.
Sean Durzi is owed $2 million in cash this season, higher than his cap hit. Hopefully for all concerned, he’ll earn more than that and arbitration will be avoided.
For the Kings
Picking up another pick in a strong year is never a bad thing, especially if the Canadiens have a weak year. But the Kings also open a space to younger players in their system. After years of potential and high marks in prospect lists, LA is putting it to use.
Drew Doughty is, of course, the rock upon which the Kings defence is built. Behind him sits veteran Matt Roy and then you have to think that Clarke or Spence will be looking to win the third slot.
The Kings have a nice mix of youth and experience on the blue line, with clear lines of promotion. So long as everyone fills their roles, it should round into form this season.
And if not, they do have… ah.
They do have enough cap space – and assets, if needed – to bring in a top-end goaltender before the season starts.
Main Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
