Let's rule a few things out right now. Artemi Panarin isn't coming to Arizona. Joe Pavelski isn't coming to Arizona. Matt Duchene isn't coming to Arizona.
It has become clear that the Coyotes are simply not willing to overpay for free agents. To paraphrase President of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Chayka, the Coyotes set an internal value for what they are willing to pay free agents; if the market value is more than that, the Coyotes will pass.
It is a sound philosophy at its core. It also does not mean the Coyotes will be sitting on the bench when the NHL's free-agent signing period begins Monday.