Arizona Coyotes’ Working on Bringing Back Success to Franchise

By Francisco Romero

From 2009 to 2012, the Arizona Coyotes enjoyed a three-season play off run. Last Saturday the Coyotes finished the 2015 – 2016 season as their fourth in a row not making the playoffs, their second longest drought since they went six straight seasons without a post-season game from 2002 – 2009.

The first change the team made was relieving their General Manager Don Maloney from his duties and responsibilities

“On behalf of our ownership group and the entire Arizona Coyotes organization, I would like to sincerely thank Don for all of his hard work and the many contributions he made to our organization during his tenure,” said Team President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc. “The Coyotes had some success with Don, but we believe a change in leadership is needed in order to move our franchise forward in a new direction,” he added.

LeBlanc pointed out that the following elements is how they would like to continue with operating the franchise: with collaboration, communication and the modernization of our entire processes.

And he pointed out that the decision was being made because it is the fourth year the team has not made the playoffs.

“Ownership is completely committed to winning and winning long-term here in Arizona,” LeBlanc said. “Today was the first step in moving us to the next phase as an organization.”

An organization that is accustomed to having success on and off the field throughout the years, but it is still looking for its firs Stanley Cup.

This season the Coyotes finished with a record of 35-39 and earned 78 points, 22 more than last season.

The Coyotes are on a rebuilding mode, Head Coach Dave Tippet said that they will continue working hard to succeed, but things will not get easier, “the next step has to be much harder, there’s lots of work to be done,” he told the press this week.