Phoenix: Veteran Graveyard?

This year has seen a lot of speculation suggesting that Gretzky may in fact be mortal. A canadian superstar in the NHL, a gold medal Olympic coach, and a four-time Stanley Cup Champion. But it appears that this NHL season holds a twist for Gretzky. Since the last Olympics in Turin and Canada's fall from gold, Gretzky has seen some rough times. Throughout these times not many have doubted him. In light of Phoenix's poor performance this year -last in the entire NHL with a mere 6 points- people are beginning to suspect that Gretzky is human after all. Perhaps some of the blame for the team's 3-10-0 record can be placed upon trades made in the pre-season. Acquiring Jeremy Roenick, Owen Nolan, and Georges Laraque. With Phoenix last in their conference in the 05-06 season with 81 points, it is a wonder that managment did not acquire any scoring power. The only good acquisition made was getting Yanic Perreault as a free agent in October. Perreault is turning out to be a great fit for the Coyotes. What boggles my mind most is why management picked up Roenick, Nolan, and Laraque. While each of these players was once great in their own accord, none can save the Coyotes from floundering back into last place this season, which seems to be exactly where they find themselves. The only theory that comes to mind with the Coyotes' acquisitions is a sort of player loyalty. Perhaps Gretzky felt sympathy for these men. Men who were once excellent players, but not since 2000 have Nolan and Roenick seen great stats. Could Gretzky be attempting to give these players one last chance at glory? Is this why Dallas took Eric Lindros? Perhaps Phoenix does not care about winning anymore and has adopted a new game plan: give the ol' veterans one last shot to prove themselves. Turning Phoenix into a Veteran Graveyard.