Phoenix Coyotes sign Lee Stempniak
The Phoenix Coyotes have announced that they have re-signed forward Lee Stempniak to a two-year deal that will see him make $1.75 million per season. After spending the end of last year with the Coyotes Stempniak became a free agent, but chose to re-sign with the club on Monday.
Stempniak was drafted 148th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round of the 2003 National Hockey League entry draft. Stempniak finished his last season at Dartmouth University before joining the Blues organization for the 2005-06 season. The New York native spent his first season split between the Blues and their American Hockey League affiliate the Peoria Rivermen. The following season Stempniak impressed, notching 27 goals on his way to a 52-point season. However, in the 2007-08 season he struggled and was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs the following year. In 2009-10 Stempniak played 61 games with the Leafs until he was traded to the Coyotes at the deadline.
In his short span with the Coyotes Stempniak established himself as a goal scorer, registering 14 goals in only 18 games. On a defence-first Phoenix side Stempniak provided a scoring punch up front that the Coyotes were in desperate need of.
Expect Stempniak to resume his role on the clubs first and second lines at the beginning of the 2010-11 campaign. Phoenix are still without great offensive depth, he will be called upon to act as one of the team’s snipers, likely drawing power play time.
However, Stempniak seems to struggle with the spotlight. He was never able to truly find his game under the bright lights in Toronto and seemed to fade in the play-offs last season, only registering two assists in seven games for the Coyotes. Phoenix is going to need Stempniak to improve his play in pressure situations if they hope to get the most out of their signing.
Last season split between the Coyotes and Maple Leafs Stempniak managed 28 goals and 20 assists for 48 points.
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