from Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic,

In the coming weeks, the Coyotes likely will execute the bulk of their roster decisions, shaping not only the expectations for 2014-15 but also the realistic results. The draft, which usually coincides with the first wave of trade activity, starts Friday, and free agency opens July 1.

And ownership already has handed General Manager Don Maloney a budget that is higher than the one he initially anticipated retooling the Coyotes with this summer — an obvious perk of having bosses in adjacent offices rather than in NHL headquarters.

"It's fair to say we will be right in the middle when it comes to where we have approved Don to go to in regards to payroll," President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc said.

Considering the salary cap is rising and the Coyotes already have a No.1 goalie, elite defenseman and depth at center, it's entirely possible this budget is enough to flip their fate next spring.

"Does my gut tell me we'll make some moves?" LeBlanc said. "Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised to see us make some moves."

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