Up first in the list of new division rivals is the Phoenix Coyotes. However, it’s extremely possible that within the next 5 years this franchise becomes the Seattle Coyotes relocating to Washington.
Founded in 1972 as the Winnipeg Jets, the franchise relocated to Arizona in 1996 because the city of Winnipeg refused to build the Jets a new arena. The Coyotes are coached by Dave Tippett and play their home games in Glendale, Arizona, at the Jobing.com Arena. The Coyotes have never won a Stanley Cup, Western Conference Championship or a Presidents’ Trophy. Just one division title for Phoenix in the 2011-12 season.
Top players on the Coyotes are Shane Doan, Oliver Eckman-Larsson, Mike Ribeiro, Mike Smith, Keith Yandle and Twitter celebrity Paul Bissonnette.
2013-14 Season Prediction: 35-47 (6th Place)
PHX vs. CGY Match-ups: Oct 22 @ PHX, DEC 4 @ CGY, Jan 4 @ PHX, Jan 22 @ CGY, Mar 15 @ PHX
You can read more about the Phoenix Coyotes on Howlin’ Hockey.