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Even Ekman-Larsson could be ‘up for grabs’ as Coyotes take ‘a step back’

Phoenix Coyotes v Nashville Predators

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 10: Oliver Ekman-Larsson 23 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on April 10, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

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We already know the Arizona Coyotes are willing to trade Antoine Vermette.

We also have a pretty good idea that Keith Yandle is available.

But Oliver Ekman-Larsson? Would they really trade him?

“Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a player that we would certainly be very, very reluctant to part with,” GM Don Maloney said today on TSN 1200 (audio), “but as far as I am concerned, when you’re sitting with our record, and we’re three or four worst records in the league, then everybody is up for grabs.”

Ekman-Larsson is a young defenseman who plays a ton and boasts all sorts of offensive talent. And just so we don’t misconstrue what was said, Maloney actually brought up the 23-year-old as an example of someone who was unlikely to be traded.

Maloney’s point was simply that nobody -- save for captain Shane Doan, who’s “not going anywhere” -- is untouchable as the Coyotes begin the process of “taking a step back” and “resetting” the organization with younger players.

Besides Vermette and Yandle, the Coyotes have a number of other veterans who could draw trade interest prior to the March 2 deadline, including forwards Martin Erat and Martin Hanzal and d-man Zbynek Michalek.

Related: Maloney says plan ‘may result in some long nights ahead’