Change could hit Coyotes during East Coast road trip

The Coyotes don't have to analyze their itinerary this week too deeply to discover the challenges inherent in a four-game tour of the East Coast.

They'll be playing three of those games in four nights. Three of their opponents are currently in playoff spots. The other – the Devils, whom the Coyotes will face Monday – has won three in a row.

Oh, and a losing streak that includes five straight regulation losses (a first for this season) also accompanied them on the cross-country trip.

But those aren't the only facts staring them down.

With the NHL trade deadline only a week away and the roster still outfitted with its most-coveted assets, it's possible the team that embarked on this road swing isn't the same one that returns to the Valley.

And wrangling with that scenario might be one of the toughest tests the week has to offer.

"I think anybody would be lying if they told you it wasn't in the back of their mind," said winger Dave Moss, one of seven pending unrestricted free agents on the team. "It's something that's part of the game, and I think as a player you try to focus on the games that we have to play. You're not worried about what might be happening towards the trade deadline, but I think for sure you try to prepare like a professional and play the games and whatever happens, happens. But it's going to be sad if guys are gone."

Trade chatter almost always focuses on how players perform on the ice, spitting out their statistics like a nutrition label found in a grocery aisle. It's even easy for players to discuss NHLers on other teams like commodities, but when it's a face in the same room on the block, friendship softens the business outlook.

"When it's your guys and your friends and people's families that you know, it's so much harder," captain Shane Doan said. "It is what it is. Hey, there's amazing things to be playing in the NHL so don't complain too much. There's a lot harder things to do, but I don't care who you are. It's no fun."

That becomes especially true when the players who have spent considerable time with the organization are the ones in the rumor mill.

Center Antoine Vermette, poised to become a prized free agent this summer, has become a core member of the team since his addition less than two months before the 2012 playoff run because of his proficiency at the two-way game – a style that's earned him loads of respect among the fan base, too.

Defenseman Zbynek Michalek, who's currently sidelined with an upper-body injury and was doubtful to make the start of the trip, has invested seven-plus seasons amid two stints while endearing everyone to his do-what-it-takes ruggedness on the blue line – attributes no doubt appealing to a playoff contender.

And Keith Yandle, another important cog on the back end, has only ever known this organization, using parts of nine seasons to become a catalyst and a leader.

"The veteran guys, you can tell it's wearing on them," coach Dave Tippett said.

But by failing to perform better, this is the reality the Coyotes are forced to confront. And since no one wants a season like this on a continual loop, changes have to be made. And for the Coyotes, they could come at any time now.

"It's the worst part of the NHL as a player," Doan said. "There's amazing things that we're so fortunate to get to do. … That's the part that you don't look forward to."

Coyotes at Devils

When: 5 p.m.

Where: Prudential Center.

TV/radio: Fox Sports Arizona/KTAR-AM (620).

Devils update: The Devils are in the midst of a six-game homestand and are 3-0 so far. They've limited their opponents to a combined four goals during their win streak. After their most recent victory – a 3-1 win over the Hurricanes Saturday – New Jersey ranked 11th in the NHL in goals-against-per-game at 2.58 but sat 27th in goals-per-game (2.19). Their power play was ninth at 19.8 percent. Center Adam Henrique leads the team with 31 points. Winger Mike Cammalleri has a team-best 20 goals.