His Career Basically Over, F Jakub Voracek Traded to Coyotes

The Arizona Coyotes announced on Thursday they have acquired F Jakub Voracek from the Columbus Blue Jackets along with a 2023 6th round pick in exchange for G Jon Gillies. Elliotte Friedman was first to connect the dots:

Another contract that could be on ARIZ's radar is Jakub Voracek's. There is cash for next year, but if he's (unfortunately) unable to play, there would be insurance considerations.— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 2, 2023

Voracek hasn't played since November 4th due to concussion-related symptoms. It is a widely held belief that the 15-year veteran's career is over, so he goes where all graveyard contracts go to die: Arizona.

According to Frank Seravalli, trading for Voracek's contract provides the Coyotes "ultimate flexibility" in trading players like Nick Schmaltz and Lawson Crouse, should they be motivated to do so. Before this transaction, Arizona couldn't move them without falling below the salary cap floor.

Now, they have the ability to flip those players for future assets. As if they need more draft picks; the Coyotes currently have 10 draft picks in the upcoming draft and 35 in the next three.

Really smart move for #CBJ to move Voracek's deal and ensure they get under the final cap calculation this season to avoid a performance bonus carryover and can start clean next year.— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 2, 2023

Another huge reason for the Voracek acquisition is that most - if not all - of Voracek's salary will be covered by insurance, so the club isn't actually on the hook for it. It pays to be Gary Bettman's golden child.

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