Great news for NCAA fans in Canada, as 16 of the 35 bowl games this season can be found on TSN, TSN2 or TSN1050 (and in some cases multiple platforms). All of the games arent created equal and with bowl season kicking off Saturday with the first four matchups, its time to rank them from best to "35th most exciting." 1. BCS National Championship - Florida State vs Auburn (January 6th, 8:30 on TSN and TSN1050)The easiest decision on the list sees #1 and #2 in the BCS fighting for the National Championship. The only remaining FCS undefeated team in the Seminoles takes on the biggest Cinderella story college football has seen in years in the Auburn Tigers. If watching the two best teams of the season battle for the crystal trophy isnt enough, tune in for a chance to watch Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston cap off his freshman season. 2. Rose Bowl - Michigan State vs Stanford (January 1st, 5:00 on TSN2)The granddaddy of them all takes place on a loaded New Years Day and features two of the best defenses in the country. Stanford came out of the difficult Pac-12 while Michigan State ended Ohio States title hopes to win the BIG 10. If you love smash mouth football this is the game for you. 3. Valero Alamo Bowl - Texas vs Oregon (December 30th, 6:45 on TSN1050)This game shot up my list the minute Mack Brown announced it would be his last game on the sidelines for the Longhorns. After a storied career that included a national championship hell step down after this game. Texas has a chance to win one for their coach against a very talented Oregon team that may not be excited to be playing in the Alamo bowl after opening the season with national championship hopes. Still, this game has intriguing storylines and talent all over the field its a must-see game. 4. Orange Bowl - Ohio State vs Clemson (January 3rd, 8:30 on TSN2 and TSN1050)Ohio State had the inside track to the title game before losing to Michigan State in the BIG 10 Championship. Clemson had their championship hopes dashed earlier in the year when they fell, and fell hard against Florida State. Even though both teams had higher hopes, theyll both be out to win a very competitive BCS bowl game against a similar style team. Neither defense is very imposing this season, and both offences are incredible. Braxton Miller facing off with Tajh Boyd could be the best QB battle of the bowl season. 5. Chick-Fil-A Bowl - Texas A&M vs Duke (January 31st, 8:00)Johnny Manziel is expected to bolt to the NFL after this game, so its the last chance to see one of colleges most electric players put on a show. Its ironic that a player with red flags for off-field partying issues will ring in the New Year trying to hang points on what should be an over-matched Duke squad. The Blue Devils enjoyed their most successful football season ever, but did it in a weak ACC and were exposed against FSU in the conference title game. Theyll look to bounce back and prove they belong amongst college footballs semi-elite. 6. All-State Sugar Bowl - Alabama vs Oklahoma (January 2nd, 8:30 on TSN2 and TSN1050)Nick Saban signed an extension thatll pay him nearly $7 million a season to roam the sidelines in Tuscaloosa. He can start to earn some of that coin with a victory over Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. The Crimson Tide may have missed out on a chance on a third straight national championship but adding to their recent resume with a win in this game would still be a great coup. Its also the last chance to watch Heisman runner-up AJ Mccarron before he graduates and heads to the NFL. 7. Fiesta Bowl - Baylor vs UCF (January 1st, 8:30, TSN2 or TSN1050)Both of these teams over-achieved and find themselves in a BCS bowl for the first time. Interesting story line to follow for this one is Bears head coach Art Briles who has been linked to gigs with Texas and in the NFL with the Washington Redskins despite signing an extension this year. Its a last audition for him to show off his exciting and productive offence. QB Bryce Petty has decided to come back next year, but watching him and RB Lache Seastrunk alone makes this appointment viewing. 8. AT&T Cotton Bowl - Missouri vs Oklahoma State (January 3rd, 1:00)Missouri lost their chance at the title game when they took their second loss of the season in the SEC championship game. Oklahoma State missed their chance at a Big 12 crown when they lost their finale to Oklahoma. Despite both teams coming in after taking an "L" they both had incredible years and should match-up to provide some entertainment in a battle of programs trending in the right direction. 9. Capital One Bowl - South Carolina vs Wisconsin (January 1st, 1:00)Jadeveon Clowney has his last chance to impress NFL scouts on a football field before turning pro after what was a disappointing campaign. He is still a freak, and properly motivated could provide viewers with quite the show. On the other side will be a Wisconsin team that would like to be playing in a different New Years Day game but should still be very motivated to knock off a tough SEC opponent. RBs Melvin Gordon and James White both ran for over 1,000 yards and are among the best tandems in college football. Itll be interesting to see how those two avoid Clowney on the other side of the ball. 10. Russell Athletic Bowl - Louisville vs Miami (December 28th, 6:45)QB Teddy Bridgewater claims he hasnt made up his mind regarding leaving college for the pro game, but make no mistake hes leaving Louisville after this bowl game. Much like Clowney and a few others vying for the number one draft slot its his last on-field chance to make a statement. Miami could prove to be a worthy foe; they were a top-10 program before getting slammed by FSU. 11. Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl - Fresno State vs USC (December 21, 3:30)The best game of the opening day sees QB Derek Carr of Fresno State take on the Trojans who will be auditioning for new coach Steve Sarkisian. While USC wont have their new boss on the sidelines, its always added incentive for players when they know their new coach is taking notes. As for Carr, this is the 3rd straight game on the list that has a top-tier NFL draft prospect stating his case. Carrs brother David was a number-one selection, and while Derek may not go that high he does have the chance to be the first QB off the board. 12. Taxslayer.com Bowl - Georgia vs Nebraska (January 1st, Noon)There are a few SEC versus BIG 10 matchups this bowl season. Bo Pelini may be coaching for his job for the Cornhuskers, and hes also coaching to give some respect to the BIG 10. A win in this game would go a long way for the conference in their bid to shake the "down" label. One player to watch is RB Todd Gurley for Georgia, watch for him to pick up the slack with QB Aaron Murray out due to injury. 13. Outback Bowl - LSU vs Iowa (January 1st, 1:00 on TSN2)This game features an SEC team with an injured QB taking on a BIG 10 program fighting for respect. Its crazy how similar this game is to the Taxslayer.com bowl. Iowas defense has a chance to keep them in this one, and with QB Zach Mettenberger out, LSU may struggle to score points. This game has a chance to be a defensive battle, but that doesnt mean it wont be fun to watch. 14. Poinsetta Bowl - Northern Illinois vs Utah State (December 26th, 9:30 on TSN1050)Huskies QB Jordan Lynch was a Heisman nominee and one of the few players in the country you must watch. He plays in the MAC which doesnt receive much attention but his game is definitely worth enjoying. His combination of pass/rush is very unique and very successful. He is similar to Ohio State QB Braxton Miller, but plays for a team that relies on him much more. 15. Hawaii Bowl - Boise State vs Oregon State (December 24th, 8:00 on TSN2 and TSN1050)When youre done with dinner on Christmas Eve cozy up by the fire place and turn on the television to watch these two programs do battle. Much like USC, the Broncos will be out auditioning for a new head coach after Chris Petersen bolted to Washington. 16. Sun Bowl - UCLA vs Virginia Tech (December 31st, 2:00)UCLA QB Brett Hundley may head to the NFL after this one and he may go with a prominent agent. Hundleys father joked about a meeting with JAY-Z saying if they were going to meet he wanted Beyonce in the room. Sounds funny, but with a big performance in this one its all but a done deal Hundley moves on. For those who love coaching controversy UCLAs Jim Mora has been rumored as an option at Texas. A big win here could keep his name in those discussions. 17. Pinstripe Bowl - Rutgers vs Notre Dame (December 28th, Noon)Sometimes the venue alone is reason to watch a game and thats the case with the Pinstripe Bowl which is held at Yankee Stadium. Notre Dame QB Tommy Rees will play his final game against an awful pass defense that ranked 120th in the country and Vegas expects a big performance - the Fighting Irish are currently more than two touchdown favorites. 18. Advocare V100 Bowl - Arizona vs Boston College (December 31st, 12:30)Kadeem Carey of Arizona and Andre Williams of Boston College are the two of the best backs in the country. Williams rushed for 2,102 yards which was tops in the FBS, while Carey took top spot back in 2012. The passing games may not be on display in this one, but the running attacks make it worth tuning in for. 19. Holiday Bowl - Arizona State vs Texas Tech (December 30th, 10:50 on TSN1050)Todd Graham won Pac-12 coach of the year and Red Raiders HC Kliff Kingsbury is one of the fastest rising bosses in the NCAA. Arizona State enters having won seven straight while Texas Tech has lost five in a row after starting with seven straight wins. Two top-20 offenses could light up the scoreboard and provide one of the most exciting bowl games on the schedule. 20. Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl - Michigan vs Kansas State (December 28, 10:15)This has been billed as a battle of two teams in a rebuilding year - but dont buy that story. Michigan wasnt rebuilding, they underachieved and suffered five losses under third year coach Brady Hoke. On the positive side, the Wolverines came within a two-point conversion of winning "The Game" against Ohio State. Its been Jeckyl and Hyde for Michigan this season and its anyones guess which team will show up for this one. Two bright spots are QB Devin Gardner and WR Jeremy Gallon. Kansas State looks for their first bowl win since 2002. 21. Fight Hunger Bowl - BYU vs Washington (December 27th, 9:30)Steve Sarkisian is out as Huskies coach after taking over the USC Trojans program but Washington arguably upgraded landing Chris Petersen. He wont be on the sidelines but hell have eyes on this tilt which sees two top-15 offences do battle at AT&T Park in San Francisco. QB Keith Price and RB Bishop Sankey of Washington are two key players to watch in this one. 22. Music City Bowl - Ole Miss vs Georgia Tech (December 30th, 3:15)Ole Miss has won their last five bowl games but enter this one on a two-game losing streak. They failed to score 10 points in both of those losses and may have a tough time putting up points against the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech will run the ball to eat clock using the triple-option before sending out the nations 21st ranked defence. QB Bo Wallace will need to have a strong performance for Ole Miss to make it six straight bowl wins. 23. BBVA Compass Bowl - Houston vs Vanderbilt (January 4th, 1:00, TSN2)HC James Franklin has Vandy trending in the right direction with 17 wins in the last two seasons. To put how big of an accomplishment that is into perspective, its the first time ever the program is heading to a bowl game for a third straight year. They won their final four games, while Houston lost three of four4 heading into bowl season. The Cougars will lean on their 16th ranked defense to keep this one close. 24. Belk Bowl - Cincinnati vs North Carolina (December 28th, 3:20)UNC let the fans pick their uniforms for this one, which is cool and gives me a reason to tune in. If youre looking for something a little deeper the atmosphere should be great with North Carolina playing only 140 miles from Chapel Hill. On the other side of the field theyll see a Bearcats team thats been here before; they won the Belk Bowl last season. 25. Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - Bowling Green vs Pittsburgh (December 26th, 6:00)Bowling Green won the MAC title upending Jordan Lynch and the Huskies in the title game at Ford Field, and now they find themselves back in Detroit. They average 14.8 points allowed per game which is fifth-best in the FBS. Pitt boasts Senior Aaron Donald who won defensive player of the year. 26. New Mexico Bowl - Washington State vs Colorado State (December 21st, 2:00 on TSN2 and TSN1050) Colorado State will go as far as RB Kapri Bibbs takes them. Hes a high end talent that scored 28 TDs this season. Cougars HC Mike Leach loves to pass the ball which is good and bad - fun to watch, but QB Connor Halliday threw 21 interceptions, which was worst in the FBS. This game should be full of big plays, points, and mistakes. 27. GoDaddy Bowl - Arkansas State vs Ball State (January 3rd, 9:00)You have to feel bad for juniors on Arkansas State - when they return for their fourth year next season theyll have a fourth head coach after Bryan Harsin accepted the Boise State gig. That said; its their third straight appearance in this bowl and got the bid after finishing as co-Sun Belt champs. Ball State QB Keith Wenning will top 4,000 yards passing in this one and had an impressive 34:6 TD/INT ratio. 28. Autozone Liberty Bowl - Rice vs Mississippi State (December 31st, 4:00)The Mississippi State Bulldogs won their final two games in overtime to get six wins and become bowl eligible. Six wins may not be overly impressive, but all six of the Bulldogs losses came against Top 25 ranked teams (Oklahoma State, Auburn, LSU, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Alabama). Rice won 10 games and took home their first outright conference title since 1957. 29. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Buffalo vs San Diego State (December 21st, 5:30 on TSN2 and TSN1050)Khalil Mack is the highlight of this bowl game. He racked up 94 tackles, 11 sacks, three interceptions and two TDs this season for Buffalo. Many NFL mock drafts have Mack in the top 10 and a big performance here could land him right there. There are lots of offensive players worth watching this bowl season, but very few defensive stars that are worth tuning in for - Mack is one. 30. Texas Bowl - Syracuse vs Minnesota (December 27th, 6:00)The Orangemen find themselves in back-to-back bowl games for the first time since Donovan McNabb - and all it took was a victory over Boston College in the final week of the season to do it. Minnesota returns to the Texas Bowl after losing last season. The Golden Gophers are looking to win nine games for just the second time in 108 years. 31. Beef OBrady St. Petersburgh Bowl - East Carolina vs Ohio (December 23rd, 2:00 on TSN2)ECU has a great QB/WR tandem in Shane Carden and Justin Hardy thats worth seeing before the year is complete. Carden was sixth in passing with 3,800 yards, while Hardy caught 105 passes; which was fifth best in the FBS. The Bobcats 29th ranked pass defense will need to step up if they have any chance of hanging with ECU. 32. Bell Helicopter Bowl - Middle Tennessee vs Navy (December 30, 11:45AM on TSN2)Navy runs the triple-option and was second best in the country with 322 yards per game on the ground. MTSU was 85th versus the run. This one could be a track meet, and who doesnt love long running plays and lots of scoring. 33. Military Bowl - Marshall vs Maryland (December 27th, 2:30 on TSN2)The Terps head to the Big 10 next season, and would love to take a bowl win with them. Theyll play this one in front of a home crowd with Navy Stadium only 27 miles from campus. Marshall is trying to win 10 games for the first time since 2002 - when QB Byron Leftwich was the star. This year its been another pivot leading the way in Rakeem Cato. His 36:9 TD/INT ratio was one of the best in all of college football. 34. R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - Tulane vs Louisiana Lafayette (December 21, 9:00 on TSN2 and TSN1050)Despite being 34th on the list, if I could attend one bowl game this season it would be this one for the BBQ at the tailgate parties alone. The Green Wave vs the Rajin Cajuns is the battle of two of the coolest names in the NCAA. If youre looking for a player to watch, try Tulane QB Nick Montana - hes the son of Joe Montana. 35. Heart of Dallas Bowl - UNLV vs North Texas (January 1st, Noon)And the award for the "35th best" bowl game goes to the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Its in tough against the packed New Years Day schedule but its still a bowl game - and thats saying something. Follow The TSN College Football Show on twitter @TSNCollegeShow and tweet us your picks and comments throughout the entire bowl season. Brian Bellows Jersey .C. - NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick headlines this years electees into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Jon Casey Jersey . Go to turbozone.ca to see more of his epic work and you can follow him on twitter (@Turbo_Zone). Gaurav Shastri - A tribute to the amazing fan base who stand outside during games at "Jurassic Park" and an unbelievable shot of Paul Pierce fearing a Raptor. http://www.thedallasstarshockey.com/mike...-hockey-jersey/. -- Officials have approved a deal to build a new $672 million stadium for the Atlanta Braves away from the downtown Atlanta area that has traditionally been its home. Bobby Smith Jersey .C. -- Kevin Harvick won his first career pole at Darlington Raceway on Friday as he looks to chase his first Southern 500. Neal Broten Jersey . Last years runner-up, Sara Errani, also reached the last eight in straight sets. Flipkens converted all four of her break points against Meusburger, and the third-seeded Errani broke Karin Knapps serve five times to win their all-Italian match 6-4, 6-3.The Phoenix Coyotes stumbled down the stretch, going on a seven-game winless slide, to miss the playoffs by two points, their second straight season on the outside looking in. Off-Season Game Plan looks at the Coyotes, and what they might be able to do to get over the hump. The Coyotes have been able to ice a consistently competitive squad on a budget -- even missing the playoffs the past two seasons, their cumulative points percentage was .538; just good enough to miss, apparently. If the Coyotes are going to make progress, they need to upgrade their scoring. They were a middle-of-the-road possession team, with good goaltending, but finishing 20th in goals scored was enough of a difference to prevent them from getting into the postseason. Additionally, they face the prospect of losing their highest-scoring forward, Radim Vrbata, as a free agent, so this is a situation that ought to be addressed. How might they do it? Well, internally, the Coyotes might turn to top prospect Max Domi, a skilled centre or a winger like Lucas Lessio might be able to make the jump, but those moves would hardly offset the loss of a proven NHL scorer. There will be scorers on the free agent market -- Thomas Vanek, Jarome Iginla, Mike Cammalleri, Matt Moulson among them -- though they wont likely come cheaply, and while the Coyotes new ownership may offer more financial flexibility than when the franchise was under league rule, its one thing to have flexibility and another to outbid the big spenders for a top scoring winger. Given the way this franchise has run through adversity, though, figure that GM Don Maloney will be able to find some value in the marketplace and ice a competitive team again next year. As weve seen over the past couple seasons, though, competitive may not be enough The TSN.ca Rating is an efficiency rating based on per-game statistics including goals and assists -- weighted for strength (ie. power play, even, shorthanded) -- Corsi, adjusted for zone starts, quality of competition and quality of teammates, hits, blocked shots, penalty differential and faceoffs. Generally, a replacement-level player is around a 60, a top six forward and top four defenceman will be around 70, stars will be over 80 and MVP candidates could go over 90. Sidney Crosby finished at the top of the 2013-2014 regular season ratings at 87.12. Salary cap information all comes from the indispensable www.capgeek.com. CF% = Corsi percentage (ie. percentage of 5-on-5 shot attempts), via www.extraskater.com. GM/COACHDon Maloney/Dave Tippett Returning Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Shane Doan 71.54 69 23 24 47 50.9% $5.3M Martin Hanzal 70.70 65 15 25 40 50.0% $3.1M Antoine Vermette 70.10 82 24 21 45 48.4% $3.75M Mikkel Boedker 68.97 82 19 32 51 48.5% $2.55M Mike Ribeiro 65.86 80 16 31 47 52.9% $5.5M Lauri Korpikoski 63.69 64 9 16 25 46.4% $2.5M Martin Erat 63.29 70 3 26 29 50.1% $4.5M Rob Klinkhammer 62.70 72 11 9 20 53.7% $625K Kyle Chipchura 60.18 80 5 15 20 51.6% $875K Free Agent Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Radim Vrbata 70.86 80 20 31 51 51.3% UFA $3.0M David Moss 61.88 79 8 14 22 52.3% UFA $2.1M Paul Bissonnette 60.12 39 2 6 8 52.6% UFA $738K Jeff Halpern 58.80 69 5 7 12 48.9% UFA $600K Even at 37-years-old, and coming off a season in which he missed time with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Shane Doan remains a productive scoring winger. Last seasons 23 goals in 69 games represented his best goals-per-game rate since 2008-2009, and his 13.8% shooting percentage was the best of Doans entire career. That certainly makes regression likely, but its not like Doan has been reaping the rewards of favourable percentages; it just may not be reasonable to expect the same goal production. Martin Hanzal registered the first 40-point season of his career and continues to take on tough assignments, but hes also running into injury problems lately, missing 65 games over the past four seasons. His possession stats were down last season, but Hanzals size (6-foot-6, 236 pounds) makes him a tough physical presence for opposing centres to handle, at least its that way when he manages to stay in the lineup. Antoine Vermette played 19:13 per game and scored 24 goals last season, both his most since 2009-2010, and hes as durable as they come, having played every game for five straight seasons. Vermettes possession stats have declined, but at least some of that can be attributed to usage -- he faced the toughest matchups with more defensive zone starts. Speedy winger Mikkel Boedker has been making steady progress offensively. In the past two seasons, hes scored 77 points in 130 games, which puts him 85th in the league over that time. If hes still got a few more years to hit his peak, maybe Boedker could be good for 60-plus points with the right line combination. Last season, it was mostly taking the tough matchups with Vermette and a rotating cast of characters on the other side. The Coyotes had expectations that 34-year-old Mike Ribeiro would be able to add life to their offence but, by seasons end, Ribeiro scored 47 points (two fewer than he scored in 48 games with Washington in 2012-2013) and his 17:00 per game of ice time was his lowest since 2006-2007. More troubling about the lack of production is that the Coyotes tilted the ice in Ribeiros favour with zone starts, yet 0.59 points per game was his lowest since 2002-2003, when he was still trying to break into the Montreal lineup. Industrious winger Lauri Korpikoski has been getting hard minutes, though theres a fair case to be made that its more than he can handle. That doesnt mean that Korpikoski cant be a useful contributor, just maybe ease up on the quality of competition that he faces on a regular basis. At one time, Martin Erat was a consistent offensive performer, and while he remains a capable puck possesion player, hes fallen on ridiculously hard times as a goal-scorer. Among NHL forwards to play at least 1800 minutes over the past two seasons, Erat is the only one with fewer than a dozen goals, and he has eight. Hes coming into a contract year, so Erat ought to be motivated, but this offensive dry spell isnt something that can be dismissed as a motivation issue. His shots-on-goal totals, which were never sky-high, are way down and if that doesnt change, dont expect Erats point totals to rebound much. Hard-hitting winger Rob Klinkhammer just completed his first full NHL season, as a 27-year-old, and certainly held his own. There may not be a ton of offensive upside, but theres lots of room for a 6-foot-3 winger who can skate and hit. 28-year-old Kyle Chipchura has never scored more than six goals or 20 points in an NHL season, but hes battled his way to a regular spot on the fourth line, missing four games total over the past two seasons. This past season, he delivered a career-best 20 points while starting the majority of his shifts in the defensive zone. There will be some need to make changes up front, as the Coyotes have four unrestricted free agents. UFAs Returning Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Keith Yandle 73.87 82 8 45 53 51.2% $5.25M Oliver Ekman-Larsson 73.00 80 15 29 44 49.dddddddddddd2% $5.5M Michael Stone 65.19 70 8 13 21 49.8% $1.15M Zbynek Michalek 63.37 59 2 8 10 49.1% $4.0M David Schlemko 62.45 48 1 8 9 53.5% $1.188M Free Agent Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Derek Morris 64.75 63 5 12 17 50.2% UFA $2.75M Keith Yandle doesnt intimidate with his physical play, but he doesnt need to -- the rest of his game is plenty intimidating in its own right. Over the past five seasons, he ranks third in scoring among defencemen, behind only Duncan Keith and Erik Karlsson and was on for 54.5% of the 5-on-5 goals when he was on the ice over that span. So, USA Hockey might not have been compelled to name Yandle to the Olympic team, but the Coyotes can be more than satisfied with a productive player who hasnt missed a game in the past five seasons. While Yandle puts up the numbers, 22-year-old Oliver Ekman-Larsson is effectively the Coyotes No. 1 defenceman, in terms of usage, because he plays 25 minutes a night, and is always facing the oppositions best lines. Ekman-Larssons production is starting to take off, too, as he had career-highs in goals (15), assists (29) and points (44) last season. Michael Stone is steadily improving, becoming a regular on the Phoenix blueline, and he finished the year playing top-four minutes. It takes some projection, and maybe a little faith, to believe the 23-year-old is ready for it full-time, but Stone does move the puck well and can contribute on the power play. Playing alongside Ekman-Larsson, Zbynek Michalek gets the toughest matchups and holds his own in that regard though, with 12 points in 93 games since returning to Phoenix, he plays more of a meat-and-potatoes game. Michalek has led the Coyotes with 252 blocked shots over the past two seasons. Injuries have hampered the development of David Schlemko, though the 27-year-old has been an effective depth defenceman at a reasonable price. There will be openings on the Coyotes blueline, though top prospects Brandon Gormley and Connor Murphy could both be in consideration for spots and Chris Summers, signed to an inexpensive one-way deal, might fill a depth role. Returning Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Cap Hit Mike Smith 71.75 62 27 21 10 2.64 .915 $5.667M Free Agent Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Thomas Greiss 75.42 25 10 8 5 2.29 .920 UFA $750K While his 2011-2012 season stands out as an aberration for his career, Mike Smith has been solid over three seasons with the Coyotes. The 32-year-old is under contract for five more seasons, so Phoenix is committed to him as their number one but, with Thomas Greiss hitting unrestricted free agency, there could be a new backup coming. The Coyotes have tended towards inexpensive options and might be able to do something like that again with unrestricted free agents Carter Hutton, Chad Johnson or Justin Peters. Top Prospects Player Pos. Team/League Stats Max Domi C London (OHL) 34-59-93, +24, 61 GP Brandon Gormley D Portland (AHL) 7-29-36, -22, 54 GP Connor Murphy D Portland (AHL) 0-13-13, -1, 36 GP Henrik Samuelsson C Edmonton (WHL) 35-60-95, +35, 65 GP Lucas Lessio LW Portland (AHL) 29-25-54, -13, 69 GP Tobias Rieder RW Portland (AHL) 28-20-48, -14, 64 GP Mark Visentin G Portland (AHL) 3.25 GAA, .902 SV%, 45 GP Laurent Dauphin C Chicoutimi (QMJHL) 24-30-54, -8, 52 GP Brandon McMillan LW Portland (AHL) 11-15-26, -12, 46 GP Jordan Szwarz RW Portland (AHL) 8-6-14, -5, 27 GP Chris Summers D Portland (AHL) 2-7-9, -7, 48 GP When he was sent back to junior last season, Max Domi struggled a bit early on, but had 85 points in 54 games since the beginning of November. The 12th overall pick in last summers draft is smallish, but a creative playmaker, something in short supply in Phoenix, and could have a shot at making the team next year. The 13th pick in 2010, Brandon Gormley is a smart defenceman who makes a good outlet pass and has 65 points in 122 AHL games over the past two seasons. That earned him a five-game audition with the Coyotes, though that audition might have suggested that he needs more work before hes ready. Picked 20th in 2011, Connor Murphy split last season between the AHL and NHL, and the 21-year-old doesnt have much of an offensive game, Murphy is a steady, stay-at-home type who was most frequently paired with Yandle or Ekman-Larsson when he was the Coyotes. Taken with the 27th pick in 2012, Henrik Samuelsson has steadily improved throughout his junior career and is a high-scoring forward with a big body. He may have to shift to wing in the NHL, but theres nothing wrong with having that size and skill on the wing. Sturdy winger Lucas Lessio got into three games with the Coyotes early in the year, and while he may not have been ready for primetime, he had a very strong first pro season, scoring 29 goals in 69 AHL games. The 2011 second-round pick should be in competition for a job at some point next season. Acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in March, 2013, Tobias Rieder was productive in his first pro campaign. Hell need to get stronger to move up the ladder but, if he does, Rieder has skill that makes him worth watching. A first-round pick in 2011, Mark Visentin has produced uneven results in his first couple pro seasons. Hes only 21-years-old, so theres time to be patient and develop Visentin, but early returns have not lived up to that draft slot. Laurent Dauphin, a second-round pick last summer, is a smart, competitive centre who will need some time to round out his game and get stronger, but is one to watch. Picked up in a trade with Anaheim, Brandon McMillan was a solid contributor in 22 games with the Coyotes last season, chipping in six points with favourable possession stats. Hell be in prime consideration for a depth spot next season. A fourth-round pick in 2009, Jordan Szwarz got into 26 games with the Coyotes last season, scoring three goals. Hes a high-effort guy with limited offensive upside. Chris Summers has played 47 NHL games over the past four seasons, compared to 211 in the AHL, so while the 2006 first-rounder might appear to be destined for time on the farm, he does have a one-way contract for next season, which might keep him in a depth role with the Coyotes. Coyotes advanced stats and player usage chart from Extra Skater DRAFT12th - Brendan Perlini, Jared McCann, Adrian Kempe. FREE AGENCYAccording to www.capgeek.com, the Coyotes have approximately $52.0M committed to the 2014-2015 salary cap for 16 players. Check out my possible Coyotes lineup for next season on Cap Geek here. Needs: Two top nine forwards, depth forwards, one top four defenceman, backup goaltender.What I said the Coyotes needed last year: Two top six forwards, depth forwards, two goaltenders.They added: Mike Ribeiro, David Moss, Jeff Halpern, Thomas Greiss. TRADE MARKETMike Ribeiro, Martin Erat, David Schlemko, Michael Stone. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '