Stempniak re-signs with the Coyotes for two years
NHLHS Phoenix Coyotes Correspondent Katlyn Gambill takes a look at the Coyotes’ recent signing of Lee Stempniak to a two-year contract.
After waiting nearly two months since he became a free agent this offseason, Lee Stempniak signed a two-year contract today with the Phoenix Coyotes. Stempniak came to Phoenix via a trade between the Coyotes and the Toronto Maple Leafs that saw Matt Jones and two picks go to Toronto.
Just a few days ago, reports showed the Atlanta Thrashers having interest in the unrestricted free agent. Luckily for the Coyotes’ fans out there, Stempniak chose to return to the land of scorpions and heat.
The Coyotes gained a powerful right-wing with this signing. Stempniak only managed to register 14 goals and 16 assists in his first 62 games of the season (all with the Leafs). Once he came to the desert though, he scored an additional 14 goals and four assists in just eighteen games.
Though, Dan Rosen (NHL.com Columnist) posted the following quote from Stempniak on Twitter this afternoon:
“I’m not going to score whatever the pace would be for 14 goals in 18 games, but I don’t think last year was a fluke year.”
Many critics worry about Stempniak’s ability to continue producing for the Coyotes, but the man himself confirmed that he believes he can play up to his new standards. Luckily, Stempniak already has chemistry with some of his teammates. Vernon Fiddler and Stempniak meshed well together up front, but Stempniak could see time with any of the forwards.
Unfortunately, the New York native failed to showcase great success in St. Louis, where he began his career and played for parts of four seasons. Then after parts of two more seasons in Toronto, Stempniak became a Coyote.
Stempniak quickly showed Coyotes fans how big of a role he could play on the offensive attack. Amazingly, Stempniak scored six goals and one assist in his first five games with Phoenix. Though his production stalled to a near halt in the playoffs when he only notched two assists in the seven-game series against the Detroit Red Wings.
Though the Coyotes did not release the official salary number, Stempniak’s expected cap hit should not exceed two million. Thus, with his production value, Stempniak could prove a very valuable forward.
Katlyn Gambill
Phoenix Coyotes Correspondent
kgambill@nhlhotstove.com
@freezethepuck
