The Coyotes have only tasted the postseason once in the past 10 seasons, but plenty of ex-Coyotes have tasted the playoffs, or experienced playoff success. With the Stanley Cup playoffs in full bloom, it’s time for our annual check-in on ex-Coyotes in the postseason.
For purposes of this story, if a player is on a team’s playoff roster but hasn’t played a game yet, whether he’s injured, a healthy scratch or backup goalie, he won’t be mentioned.
For example, Seattle forward John Hayden is injured, defenseman Alex Goligoski has been a healthy scratch in all of Minnesota’s playoff games, and Adin Hill has not played a game in goal for Vegas yet (and wouldn’t even be dressed as the backup if not for an injury to Logan Thompson).
We’ll keep you updated on everyone’s progress on the PHNX Coyotes show. If I forgot somebody, let me know and I will add them.
Coyotes in the Western Conference
Vegas Golden Knights F Phil Kessel: In four games, Kessel has two assists but is averaging just 11:47 of ice time, the second-lowest ATOI on the team ahead of only Keegan Kolesar. Winnipeg Jets F Blake Wheeler: We’re here just to troll you. The best draft pick in Coyotes history (Arizona took him fifth overall in 2004 but he wouldn’t sign here) has two goals and five points in four games and is averaging 18:21 of ice time. Wheeler’s Jets are on the brink, with a potential elimination game coming Thursday night in Vegas. Edmonton Oilers C Nick Bjugstad: Bjugy had two big goals in the Oilers’ pivotal Game 5 win on Tuesday in Edmonton. Bjugstad is averaging 14:52 of ice time; one of several players providing the Oilers with more depth than they have ever had in the Connor McDavid-Leon Draisaitl era. Los Angeles Kings None, which is as it should be. Colorado Avalanche None. Seattle Kraken None. Dallas Stars F Max Domi: The Coyotes’ 2013 first-round pick (No. 12) has an assist in five games and is averaging 15:26 of ice time with his fifth NHL team. Minnesota Wild None.Former Coyotes goalie Antti Raanta makes a save against the New York Islanders in Game 5 of their playoff series at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Getty Images)
Coyotes in the Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins F Taylor Hall: Hall has been a force for the Bruins despite averaging just 14:31 of ice time. He leads Boston with five goals and eight points in five games. He is tied for fourth in the NHL in playoff points and he had a big, game-tying goal against Florida on Wednesday that could have helped the Bruins advance had goalie Linus Ullmark not channeled Mike Smith in OT. D Connor Clifton: The Coyotes’ 2013 fifth-round pick (No. 133) has played two games and is averaging 15:19 of ice time. Florida Panthers F Anthony Duclair: The Duke has a goal in four games and is averaging 13:44 of ice time. F Nick Cousins: Cousins has three assists in five games despite averaging just 10:29 of ice time. Toronto Maple Leafs F Michael Bunting: The Coyotes 2014 fourth-round pick (No. 117) has only played one game because he got suspended three games for an illegal check to the head and interference against Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak during a 7-3 loss in Game 1 of the Leafs’ series with Tampa. It was a very dumb play that hurt his team, and one of a handful this season that have called into question Bunting’s future with the franchise. D Luke Schenn: Schenn has played four games, averaging 17:47 of ice time. The Maple Leafs don’t have any more ex-Coyotes, but they might have some future Coyotes.Coyotes fans are having evil thoughts about the Maple Leafs. (Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning None. Carolina Hurricanes (Coyotes east) G Antti Raanta: Raanta has started in every game for Carolina in place of Frederik Anderson (illness). He has a 2.59 goals against average and a.906 save percentage and had outplayed Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin before an off night in Game 5. C Derek Stepan: Stepan has played four games but is averaging just 8:52 of ice time. F Jordan Martinook: The Coyotes 2012 second-round pick (No. 58) has played five games and is averaging 17:42 of ice time. D Shayne Gostisbehere: Gostisbehere has played five games and is averaging 16 minutes of ice time. New York Islanders F Hudson Fasching: Fasching has played five games and is averaging 11:14 of ice time. New Jersey Devils D Kevin Bahl: The Coyotes 2018 second-round pick (No. 55) has played four games and is averaging 15:45 of ice time. New York Rangers None.
Other former Coyotes of note
Vegas Golden Knights goalie coach and director of goaltending Sean Burke. Winnipeg Jets coach Rick Bowness. Edmonton Oilers assistant coach Dave Manson. Minnesota Wild assistant GM Chris O’Hearn. Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Halpern. New York Islanders assistant coach John MacLean. New York Rangers goalie coach and director of goaltending Benoit Allaire.Top photo of Edmonton’s Nick Bjugstad via Getty Images
