The rumor mill has been churning out that the Coyotes may be signing Chris Chelios as of late.  Normally, we don’t comment on rumors until something solid happens.

Today the Canadian Press and The Sporting News reported that Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney will be in San Antonio Friday to watch Chelios play.  Personally, I think this is a big mistake.  However, before I get to the pros and cons of possibly bringing on Chelios this is sending a big sign out to all who follows the Coyotes in some way, shape or form:

Maloney scouting Chelios seems to be a sign of a lack of confidence in current defensive corps.

I understand that with all the key injuries to the Coyotes defensive corps, they really don’t have experienced and talented depth.  However, is Chelios really the answer?

Don’t get me wrong, Chelios has some great qualities:

- He’s got TONS of veteran experience
- He’s won Stanley Cups
- Chelios is a warrior in the playoffs
- He can can teach the coyotes about defense
- He redefines the term, crafty veteran.

However, the drawbacks to bringing on Chelios on the Coyotes roster is this:

- His age. He’s 47 people. Which brings me to the next point…
- He lacks speed. To borrow a line from a Motorhead song the Coyotes “are built for speed’ Chelios, at this age is not a speedster.
- Chelios won’t be able to take over say ten minutes a night. He might be able to play more minutes in the minors but he’s hasn’t played that amount of minutes in the NHL for YEARS.
- Chelios is a product of a different era in the NHL. His game is tailor made for the NHL of 10 years ago but not now.

I’ve liked the signings that Maloney has made in the offseason but this one is a head scratcher. He’s not going to be expected to take on top two or four minutes is he?

On the flip side, who else is available that won’t cost the Coyotes a prospect, draft pick or a player on the roster?