In renovating their front-office structure since the season ended, the Coyotes "have ushered in a new order that accentuates innovation and teamwork amid a player-first approach," according to Sarah McLellan of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The new model is "likely to be put into practice when the team shifts its draft preparation to the NHL scouting combine." New Coyotes GM John Chayka said, “It’s just about gathering as much information as possible." McLellan notes players "will participate in medical and fitness testing and interviews." The Coyotes also "plan to bring in a sports psychologist to help elicit a more in-depth profile on the athletes." The hockey operations department "recently gathered in Sedona for three days of meetings with the group participating in team-bonding exercises in addition to hashing out business." Chayka said, "We wanted to try to take our first steps since implementing a new culture.” Topics of conversation "ranged from the amateur side of the organization to looking at free agents." Chayka "stressed the importance of the staff holding itself to a high standard since its interactions with players will ultimately influence the type of NHLers they will become." Meanwhile, the Coyotes "will unveil their 20th anniversary logo and jersey patch at a viewing party for the first round of the draft June 24" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 5/25).
