Yeah they have a couple foundational pieces already in place, a boatload of picks in the next few years and probably the cleanest cap situation possible this summer. I think owners think they're going to get the next Vegas but teams seem to have learned their lesson regarding expansion draft trades. Coyotes have built a promising future they just needed competent leadership at the top and it looks like they'll finally get that, but in Utah
The lead time between Expansion plans and the ED was low. Plus, teams were giving out NMC like candy which ended up biting teams. Ana gave one to Bieksa and would have had to buy him out to open up a protection spot.
When it was time for SEA, most teams edited their NMC that they handed out after the LV ED to ensure that they were not stuck with someone with a NMC that they were not wanting to protect.
Main thing with the Coyotes is that they have kids in the 19-21 range due to the drafts from 2021 - 2023 already developing. Whether they actually do get to their desired goal remains to be seen.
I mean, people thought LA was on the right track then they made 2 big trades and Campbell underperformed. Likes of Ott, Buf still not getting it done. Detroit is at least going to come down to the wire.