The Arizona Coyotes are in the midst of a rebuild.

With new General Manager Bill Armstrong at the helm, the Coyotes have been active in the trade market as they turn an eye to the future.

They have been very proactive, taking on contracts to acquire draft picks and trading away many players.

Gone are Darcy Keumper, Lane Pederson, Brayden Burke, Tyler Steenbergen, Conor Garland, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Adin Hill.

Armstrong has restocked the cupboard in preparation for the 2022 Entry Draft, where Arizona will draft twice in the first round and five times in the second round.

The beginning of free agency not only saw Arizona make two trades but also officially announce the signing of Liam Kirk to an NHL Entry-Level Contract.

3 years of Liam Kirk. ✔️

We can't wait to see you in Arizona, @kirky_1424!https://t.co/w1ME9BbwsH

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) July 28, 2021

"It's a blessing. This is something I've always dreamed of. I've worked really hard for this.”

Liam Kirk (@kirky_1424) became the first English-born and trained player to sign an NHL contract on Wednesday, and he’s ready for the opportunity. https://t.co/pF19npN2Xx

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) July 29, 2021

Liam Kirk will head to Arizona to begin work on the next stage of his career as soon as his visa is confirmed.

That speaks to his work ethic and determination to reach the NHL.

Not only that but also the fact that the British forward has a path laid out for him and a huge opportunity.

As of July 30, 2021, Arizona’s forward group looks a little sparse.

Of the 22 forwards currently on the roster, sixteen of those have a standard NHL deal.

Six are signed to entry-level deals including Kirk and a further two are RFA’s that require a contract negotiation.

Referring back to the sixteen on standard NHL deals, ten are due to expire in 2022, with three of those players 33 years of age or older.

The times are changing in Arizona.

The opportunity for prospects, including Kirk, is plain to see and should make the Tucson roster and team very competitive this upcoming season.

Regarding the Roadrunners, there is much work for the Arizona organisation to do in that regard.

Five of the forwards who suited up for Tucson last season will not be returning, and there are no players signed to AHL deals at the time of writing.

The next step will be the most difficult of Liam Kirk’s career.

It’s a three-year journey ahead with the NHL very much within touching distance if he’s good enough.

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