The Phoenix Coyotes are set to kick off there preseason schedule Tuesday night as they head west to battle the Anaheim Ducks.
While training camp has been going on the past couple days, the exhibition games are crucial for players to get back into game shape, as well as for players on the bubble of making the club to show the coaching and management staff what they are made of. A few players to keep an eye out for are center Andy Miele, left wing Viktor Tikhonov and right wing Brett MacLean.
With center Kyle Turris currently without a contract and it appears this could linger quite a bit longer, Miele will have every opportunity to show he is NHL ready for a center role on one of the top two lines.
Tikhonov played 61 games for the Coyotes in 2008-09, but since then the 2008 first round pick has played in both the KHL and AHL. He is ready to show the coaching staff that he can play full time on the big club, most likely in a bottom six role.
MacLean, like Tikhonov has had some NHL experience as last season he got into 13 games for the Coyotes. A 2007 second round pick, MacLean is known for his goal scoring abilities, which will be needed on the big club. Expect MacLean to get a long look at a possible role among the Coyotes top six forwards.
For more on the Coyotes remaining training camp and preseason schedule/roster, please visit PhoenixCoyotes.com.