Arizona Coyotes Making Right Moves Ahead of NHL Draft
The Arizona Coyotes made a huge splash prior to the NHL trade deadline and are clearly looking towards the future. Keith Yandle was a major focal point of the Yotes’ success in previous years but the 28-year old American is now a part of the New York Rangers’ Stanley Cup run. The trade deadline as set the Coyotes up for a strong future.
While Anthony Duclair was drafted in the 3rd of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, John Moore was a first round draft selection in 2009. Both players have seen very little ice-time this season but they both should be ready to step up by training camp.
According to general manager Don Maloney, “Anthony Duclair is a dynamic, skilled forward who has size, speed and offensive talent. He will be a valuable addition to our organization.” He also told NHL.com that “John Moore is a young, strong-skating, puck-moving defenseman who will solidify our core group on the blue line.”
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Arizona already has a plethora of prospects spear-headed by the talented Max Domi at forward and Brandon Gormley on defense. Domi has been lighting it up with the London Knights of the OHL and is set to make his jump to the professional level next season. Gormley is now 23 years old but has yet to reach his potential in the NHL. He has been frustrated with his lack of playing time but the Coyotes should give him a larger opportunity soon enough.
The Yotes are in the running for the Connor McDavid sweepstakes as they sit third last in the NHL. Add the duo of Duclair and Domi and you’re looking at one of the most productive units at this year’s U-20 World Junior Championship. Whether they are lucky enough to pull this off remains to be seen, but talents like Jack Eichel or Dylan Strome would be strong additions to an already promising team.
Anthony Duclair is a dynamic, skilled forward who has size, speed and offensive talent. He will be a valuable addition to our organization.
Not only should the Coyotes have a top five pick but they have accumulated eight picks in the upcoming draft, six of which are in the first three rounds. Whether they plan to use the picks or trade some away is anyone’s guess, but the level of talent in this year’s draft suggests the Coyotes will have a lot to gain from using or trading their picks.
In comparison to other bottom-of-the-barrel teams like the Edmonton Oilers or Buffalo Sabres, the Coyotes seem to stand out quite a bit. They have spent a lot less time in the basement and have set themselves up for success in the next few years. One of the main reasons for their quicker turnaround should be Olver Ekman-Larsson who, according to Howlin’ Hockey, has just been named an alternate captain. He is their only top-level player who is still under 25 and has a lot of room to grow with the departure of Yandle. He’s already in his fifth season of NHL hockey at just 23 years old and has a lot of untapped potential in the tank. With current players to build around, a very strong prospect pool and several draft picks to exercise, the Coyotes should be envied by all lower-end teams as they march into the NHL Entry Draft this June.