Arizona might send a message to veteran forward Jamie McGinn tonight.
McGinn, who has eight goals and 14 points through 50 games this season, seems primed to be a healthy scratch when the Coyotes take on the Kings in L.A., per the Arizona Republic.
Looks like McGinn could be odd-forward out. #Coyotes skating: 16-11-17/29-18-19/8-91-86/48-13-25. Defense same: 23-2/33-26/44-5/6.
— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) February 16, 2017
As for McGinn, Tippett said he can play a lot better. Has to be physically engaged and team hasn't seen that enough lately, Tippett said.
— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) February 16, 2017
Signed to a three-year, $10 million deal last summer, McGinn was trumpeted by GM John Chayka as “a big, physical, power forward who scores goals and plays a gritty style,” adding that the 28-year-old would be “a great addition to our roster.” It was one of Chayka’s first big splashes in free agency.
But McGinn hasn’t lived up to the billing.
He has just two goals in his last 26 games, and hasn’t found the back of the net since Jan. 19. Given he’s the club’s second highest-paid forward -- only captain Shane Doan makes more -- it’s obvious Arizona expects more.