3 Arizona Coyotes Not Expected Back Next Season

The Arizona Coyotes are tanking for Connor Bedard and rightfully so. The team has been a bottom feeder for several seasons and need to continue to develop from within in order to get back to relevancy. Look for the Coyotes to be active before the March 3 trade deadline and look for them to go in a different direction on several of their players. Besides Jakob Chychrun who will be traded in the coming weeks, these Coyotes are not expected back next season:

Troy Stecher

There may be a small market for Stecher's services come trade deadline but if he's not moved, don't expect the team to re-sign the right-handed defenseman. The 28-year-old Stecher is making $1.25 million against the cap and is a pending free agent at season's end. He's recorded just two assists in 39 games this season.

Nick Bjugstad

All signs are pointing to a trade, however if one does not get finalized expect to see the Coyotes let Bjugstad walk this summer as they look to give younger players some more ice time. The veteran towering forward has recorded 10 goals in 37 games and should be in some trade conversations over the next few weeks.

Zack Kassian

The rugged winger is in his first season in the desert and has been a nice veteran compliment and security blanket for the Yotes young players. Kassian turns 32 this month and next season is set to make $3.2 million against the cap. He's scored one goal in 20 games and will likely be bought out next summer.