Arizona Coyotes: Top 10 Prospects Entering 2019

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Victor Soderstrom (C), eleventh overall pick by the Arizona Coyotes, poses for a group photo with team personnel onstage during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Jordan Gross (Photo credit: Getty Images) /

10. Matias Maccelli

Acquired: 2019 draft, fourth-round pick

Position: Left wing

Stats: 62 games played, 31 goals, 41 assists, 72 points (Dubuque Fighting Saints, USHL)

Matias Maccelli had a breakout season in his draft year. I wasn’t huge on him before last year, but he finally started to show his true potential in the USHL. Maccelli was one of the Fighting Saints most reliable forwards last year, as he played in every situation for them.

My favorite thing about him is his skill. Maccelli can take over games and can score goals. The Coyotes need more forwards like that. He’ll get a nice challenge next year, as he’ll be heading to Liiga. It will be his first test against professionals, so I’m curious how Maccelli will look. My biggest concern is his inability to make plays at a high speed.

9. Jordan Gross

Acquired: Undrafted free agent

Position: Defensemen

Stats: 61 games played, 5 goals, 20 assists, 25 points

For better or for worse, Jordan Gross will graduate from this list next year. He’ll be 25, but I think he’ll graduate because he’ll find a spot in the NHL. The Kevin Connauton trade leaves a spot open on the Coyotes blueline, and I think Gross could wind up winning it.

He’s a nice puck mover and I really liked what he did in transition last year. Gross’s points weren’t overwhelming, but keep in mind the Roadrunners weren’t a very good team last season. He lacks size, but his hockey IQ and agility help him make up for it.

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