"They have earned my respect," Armstrong said of his Coyotes, shortly after the trade deadline passed and Armstrong had passed on it.
In the weeks leading up to Monday afternoon's trade deadline, General Manager Bill Armstrong said the team's performance would dictate his strategy.
The Coyotes are contending -- and that caused Armstrong to stand pat. He said the current players earned "the right" to fight for playoff spot. That kept him from pulling the trigger on any trades.
Arizona currently sits one point out of the final West Division playoff position with 14 games remaining.
Arizona, Armstrong Confidently Quiet at Trade Deadline
GM believes current Coyotes can make playoff push
© Kelsey Grant
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