Arizona Coyotes: 5 burning questions for 2018-19 season

3. Progression in the system?

There’s no doubt that Arizona could heavily improve its current squad by spending elsewhere. However, rounding out this current side will need some help from the players in the system, especially on the depth lines of Tocchet’s team.

That’s not to suggest the Coyotes aren’t spending their money, either, which could mean that they very well know the above statement.

Supporters will have to wonder how much progress the Coyotes can make deeper in the organization. With big selections on Barrett Hayton, Jan Jenik and Kevin Bahl, filling the cupboards for the years ahead doesn’t seem to be an issue. There’s talent spread out in all areas; regardless of the fact that other areas may be stronger than others.

The near future of prospects is harder to predict. Nick Merkley, Laurent Dauphin and Conor Garland could all make the jump this year. There’s a fine line for trust; the Coyotes will probably wait for hard struggles on the NHL team before turning attention to these players.

In all, progression comes with more minutes in the lower leagues, and fewer minutes in the big leagues. Another year of AHL or junior hockey won’t hurt a lot of these players. If they can make an impact, then Chayka and Tocchet might be willing to feed some minutes to these boys in near time.