Alex Kerfoot explains why he chose to leave Toronto and sign with the Coyotes

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Mike Armenti
August 11, 2023 (11:39)

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It always seemed likely that Alexander Kerfoot would leave the Toronto Maple Leafs, one way or another. In recent seasons, he was heavily involved in trade rumours, but ultimately stuck with the team through another failed playoff run. Now, having signed a deal with the Arizona Coyotes, Kerfoot spoke with NHL.com, revealing why he chose to ink a multi-year deal in the desert instead of signing with another contending team.

Kerfoot told NHL.com this week that all it took to sell him on the idea was a simple Zoom call with GM Bill Armstrong and Andre Tourigny to convince him that the opportunity he was presented with in Arizona was the right one for him.

"I just came away really impressed with where they're headed, what their mindset is at right now, and I think with what they're doing and where they envision the team going, it was a group that I wanted to be a part of.

Having played against them the last few years, they're a tough team to play against, they're competitive, they're fast, and I just felt like I could fit in with where I'm at. I was looking for a place where I thought that the fit was really good, and of the teams that I was talking to, I felt most comfortable with them. I felt like the fit was a big thing for me, and for the group, and everything else is an added bonus.

It just feels like they're in a different spot now. It feels like they're trying to take the next step. Being part of that change and helping grow the culture is fun to be a part of. Things are trending really well for this group, and I'm happy to be part of it." - Kerfoot on why he chose Arizona as a free agent

Kerfoot was likely a bottom six player in Toronto or with another contender. In Arizona, he'll have the opportunity to be a top-six contributor and will likely play a role on both the power play and the penalty kill. He is just one season removed from a career-high 51-point season in 2021-22. He saw his production dip in 2022-23, down to 32 points, but he should have every opportunity to return to form with more ice time and an increased role with the Coyotes in 2023-24.