Dvorak left a lasting impression on General Manager Bill Armstrong, one that far exceeded Dvorak's numbers.
"First off, I want to say what a classy person (Dvorak) is," Armstrong said. "Not only on the ice, but off the ice, and how he handled the (trade) news when I told him. I met with him (earlier this summer) and I said, 'You've given everything to the organization, and it's a little unfair that you see your name splashed around (in trade talks).' We had some good talks about that. He handled everything with 100 percent class. As an organization, we wish him the best. He's given everything. He was the first on the ice and last off, always around here training during the summer. He really helped this organization grow."
Dvorak recorded 146 points in 302 games and five seasons with the Coyotes. His impact in this trade will be felt for years to come, Armstrong said.
"I said to most teams: 'If we're going to trade Christian Dvorak, the piece(s) that we get back are going to have to move us forward as an organization."
The pair of premium draft picks met the asking price.
"Christian had a lot of value," Armstrong said. "Not only for our club but also on the open market because centers, this year, seem to be hard to find. So, we tried to maximize that. We had to look at improving our team down the road, and this move did that."
The Coyotes now own three first-round selections and five second-round selections in the 2022 draft, which some expect to be the best draft class in a decade.
"We've been able to find ways to gather some draft picks and strengthen our organization," Armstrong said. "This (trade) just really solidifies that."
The Coyotes have prospects in the pipeline, and Saturday's trade will open the door, this year, for a pair of young, up-and-coming centermen.
"Guys like (Jan) Jenik (or Barrett Hayton) might have a shot to make the team coming out of camp," Armstrong said. "This really gets the juices flowing for some of the younger players to play higher in the lineup, and get in the lineup. So, I think as a team, it's going to make some players hungry. They've got to seize that opportunity for a roster spot."
Veteran centermen, such as Johan Larsson and off-season acquisitions Jay Beagle and Travis Boyd, also will drive internal competition.
The Coyotes
begin development camp
Thursday, September 9. The camp includes an intrasquad scrimmage Monday, September 13, 6:00 p.m. at Gila River Arena. It is open to the public.
Rookie camp begins
Wednesday, September 15. Arizona will host the
2021 Rookie Faceoff Tournament
September 17-20 at Gila River Arena and Ice Den Scottsdale.
Main training camp begins Wednesday, September 22 and runs through Thursday, October 7. The Coyotes will open the 2021-22 regular season schedule Thursday, October 14 in Columbus against the Blue Jackets; the home opener is Monday, October 18 against the St. Louis Blues.
