Arizona Coyotes load up on defensemen at NHL draft
[ad_1]
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes part ways with coach Dave Tippett | 0:50
Arizona Coyotes part ways with coach Dave Tippett. Wochit
1 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: What does Doan’s dismissal mean? | 1:55
azcentral sports’ Dan Bickley and Sarah McLellan discuss the aftershock of the Coyotes’ decision to part ways with Shane Doan.
2 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes part ways with Shane Doan | 0:38
Coyotes captain Shane Doan will not return to the team. Wochit
3 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes trade starting goalie Mike Smith to Flames | 0:58
Mike Smith leaves Arizona as a record-holding goaltender. Wochit
4 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWhich Arizona Coyotes player could be taken by the Vegas Golden Knights? | 1:06
The Coyotes are set to lose one player to Vegas in the NHL expansion draft. Wochit
5 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes’ Clayton Keller on his first year in the NHL | 1:59
Coyotes rookie Clayton Keller talks with Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan about his first year in the NHL as the team cleans out its lockers following the end of the season on Monday. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
6 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes rookie Christian Dvorak on ‘year of ups and downs’ | 1:40
Coyotes rookie center Christian Dvorak talks with Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan about his ups and downs throughout his first NHL season on Monday. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
7 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes’ Jakob Chychrun sums up rookie season | 2:17
Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun discusses his rookie season with Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan at Gila River Arena on Monday. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
8 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShane Doan at Coyotes’ season-ending press conference | 1:54
Arizona Coyotes’ Shane Doan discusses the uncertainty that surrounds his future at a season-ending press conference on Monday at Gila River Arena. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
9 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSMax Domi talks to Sarah McLellan about offseason goals, plans | 1:16
Arizona Coyotes winger Max Domi talks with Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan about his plans and goals for the offseason as the Coyotes cleaned out lockers on Monday at Gila River Arena. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
10 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes coach Dave Tippett wraps up 2016-17 season | 2:01
Arizona Coyotes coach Dave Tippett sums up the 2016-17 season and looks forward to what is needed to improve next year at a press conference at Gila River Arena on Monday. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
11 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Wild | 0:31
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 3-1 loss to the Wild.
12 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes conclude season with 3-1 loss to the Wild | 1:50
Coach Dave Tippett, captain Shane Doan, defenseman Zbynek Michalek and goalie Mike Smith react to the team’s final game of the season.
13 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes recognize Roadrunners captain Craig Cunningham | 0:50
Roadrunners captain Craig Cunningham was recognized during a ceremonial puck drop before Saturday’s season finale.
14 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Canucks | 0:35
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 4-3 win over the Canucks.
15 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes react to win over Canucks | 1:17
Coach Dave Tippett, winger Radim Vrbata, winger Max Domi, center Alexander Burmistrov and defenseman Luke Schenn react to the win.
16 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Young Coyotes standouts provide hope | 1:56
Three players emerge as the Coyotes’ season winds down. Sarah McLellan and Jay Dieffenbach discuss them, the NBA MVP race and more.
17 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes fall in overtime to Stars | 0:46
Coach Dave Tippett, winger Max Domi, defenseman Anthony DeAngelo and winger Anthony Duclair react to Tuesday’s 3-2 loss in Dallas. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
18 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Stars | 0:28
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 3-2 overtime loss to the Stars on Tuesday.
19 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Kings | 0:35
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 2-1 win over the Kings.
20 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes eliminate Kings from playoffs with 2-1 win | 1:02
Coach Dave Tippett, goalie Mike Smith, center Alexander Burmistrov and winger Anthony Duclair react to the win.
21 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Capitals | 0:25
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 6-3 win over the Capitals.
22 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes snap losing streak against Capitals | 0:58
Coach Dave Tippett, center Christian Dvorak, goalie Louis Domingue and center Alexander Burmistrov react to the 6-3 win.
23 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Blues | 0:24
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 3-1 loss to the Blues.
24 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes react to 3-1 loss to Blues | 1:14
Coach Dave Tippett, defenseman Alex Goligoski, goalie Louis Domingue and winger Clayton Keller react to the loss.
25 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Blues | 0:33
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 4-1 loss to the Blues. (Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports)
26 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes cap road trip with 4-1 loss to Blues | 0:58
Coyotes coach Dave Tippett, winger Clayton Keller, center Alexander Burmistrov and defenseman Anthony DeAngelo react to the loss. (Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports)
27 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSForward Clayton Keller set to begin pro career with Coyotes | 0:47
Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Coyotes on Sunday, March 26, 2017. (Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports)
28 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSU.S. women’s hockey team boycotting world championship | 0:52
USA TODAY Sports’ A.J. Perez explains why the USA women’s hockey team is boycotting the upcoming International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship. USA TODAY Sports
29 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Capitals | 0:33
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and the minus in the 4-1 loss to the Capitals.
30 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCapitals pull away from Coyotes with 3-goal third | 0:53
Coach Dave Tippett, goalie Mike Smith and center Jordan Martinook react to the 4-1 loss. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
31 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Panthers | 0:29
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 3-1 loss to the Panthers.
32 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSUnusual goal sparks Panthers to win over Coyotes | 1:15
Coach Dave Tippett, goalie Mike Smith, winger Tobias Rieder and defenseman Jakob Chychrun react to the 3-1 loss.
33 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Lightning | 0:38
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 5-3 win over the Lightning. (Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports)
34 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes rally past the Lightning | 0:54
Coach Dave Tippett, winger Radim Vrbata, winger Christian Fischer and winger Anthony Duclair react to the 5-3 win. (Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports)
35 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Predators | 0:30
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 3-1 loss to the Predators.
36 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes open road trip with 3-1 loss to Predators | 1:07
Coach Dave Tippett, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, winger Jamie McGinn and defenseman Zbynek Michalek.
37 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Blues | 0:34
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 3-0 loss to the Blues.
38 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes shut out 3-0 by the Blues | 1:40
Coach Dave Tippett, defenseman Luke Schenn and goalie Mike Smith react to the loss on Saturday at Gila River Arena. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
39 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Red Wings | 0:36
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 5-4 shootout loss to the Red Wings.
40 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes clipped by Red Wings 5-4 in a shootout | 1:20
Coach Dave Tippett, goalie Mike Smith, winger Radim Vrbata and defenseman Jakob Chychrun react to the loss.
41 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Kings | 0:31
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 3-2 shootout win over the Kings, Mar. 14, 2017. (Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports)
42 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes outlast Kings in 11-round shootout | 1:08
Coach Dave Tippett, goalie Louis Domingue, defenseman Anthony DeAngelo and winger Max Domi react to the 3-2 shootout win against the Kings, Mar. 14, 2017. (Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports)
43 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Avalanche | 0:32
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 1-0 win over the Avalanche, Mar. 13, 2017. (Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports)
44 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoyotes blank Avalanche 1-0 | 1:19
Coach Dave Tippett, goalie Mike Smith, captain Shane Doan and winger Brendan Perlini react to the win, Mar. 13, 2017. (Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports)
45 of 46
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ARIZONA COYOTES VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Devils | 0:34
Coyotes insider Sarah McLellan looks at the plus and minus in the 5-4 win over the Devils on Saturday.
Coyotes eliminate Kings from playoffs with 2-1 win
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Capitals
Coyotes snap losing streak against Capitals
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Blues
Coyotes react to 3-1 loss to Blues
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Blues
Coyotes cap road trip with 4-1 loss to Blues
Forward Clayton Keller set to begin pro career with Coyotes
U.S. women’s hockey team boycotting world championship
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Capitals
Capitals pull away from Coyotes with 3-goal third
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Panthers
Unusual goal sparks Panthers to win over Coyotes
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Lightning
Coyotes rally past the Lightning
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Predators
Coyotes open road trip with 3-1 loss to Predators
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Blues
Coyotes shut out 3-0 by the Blues
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Red Wings
Coyotes clipped by Red Wings 5-4 in a shootout
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Kings
Coyotes outlast Kings in 11-round shootout
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Avalanche
Coyotes blank Avalanche 1-0
Sarah McLellan’s plus-minus against the Devils
Pierre-Olivier Joseph froze.
He heard his name, but he wasn’t sure it was actually his name.
It was, though, and he hugged those around him before meeting Coyotes personnel on stage inside United Center on Friday after the team selected the defenseman 23rd overall during the first round of the 2017 NHL draft.
“I want to prove the Coyotes that they made the right choice to pick me,” Joseph said.
Joseph was the 27th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, tallying six goals and 39 points in 62 games with Charlottetown in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. His 39 points were the second-most on the team among defensemen. Twenty of his points came on the power play with 17 of those assists – the second-highest total on the team.
Overall, Joseph’s 33 assists were the sixth-most in a single season by a defenseman in club history.
General Manager John Chayka called Joseph a smooth-skating, two-way defenseman.
“He’s aggressive,” Chayka said. “He competes hard. I think he’s extremely, extremely smart. I think he’s got a good skill set. I think once he puts on a little size and weight, that’s going to take his game to the next level. … I think he’s going to be a player that can play in all situations, play 25 minutes. He’s still got a long way to go, but that’s what you get with the 23rd pick.”
The 17-year-old wants to play like Marc-Edouard Vlasic, a reliable staple on the Sharks’ blue line, but bulking up will be key for him to star in the NHL like Vlasic. He’s currently listed at 6 feet, 2 inches and 163 pounds with Chayka mentioning that Joseph lived with a nutritionist last year, putting on close to 10 pounds.
“It’s not about putting him in our lineup tomorrow,” Chayka said. “It’s about three, four years down the road where can he be, and we think he can be up there with anyone else.”
The Coyotes received the No.23 pick from the Wild as part of the Martin Hanzal trade.
“P.O. is a guy our staff was extremely passionate about so any time you receive a player you’re passionate about, it’s a good day,” Chayka said. ” … He’s a guy who has unlimited upside. I think the sky’s the limit, and the ceiling’s as high as anybody. That’s what we were looking for at that pick.”
Joseph will attend the team’s upcoming prospect camp in the Valley.
“I’m getting better and better every year,” he said. “Obviously, I need to get a lot stronger and a lot bigger. But I think I’m only 17. I have a lot of time to reach the goals that I want to reach. I think this is the beginning of something bigger.”
The Coyotes continued to add defensemen Saturday when the draft continued with Rounds 2-7. In total, they added five blue liners and four forwards.
“There was definitely no plan,” said Tim Bernhardt, the team’s director of amateur scouting. “It was just take the player that we were most comfortable with at that time.”
Arizona moved the 35th pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Nos. 44, 75 and 108, a deal that gave them two more picks – including a fourth-rounder, which they didn’t previously have. The team also received the 82nd and 126th selections from Edmonton in exchange for the 78th pick.
No. 44: Defenseman Filip Westerlund
Age: 18.
Height: 5 feet, 11 inches.
Weight: 181 pounds.
Last season: Had a goal and 11 points in 56 total games with Frolunda Jr. and Frolunda in Sweden. Westerlund was the 15th-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting.
Fast fact: Westerlund said he grew up idolizing Coyotes defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Niklas Hjalmarsson.
Scouting report: Westerlund considers himself a two-way defenseman who has to get stronger and improve his shot. “My biggest strength is hockey sense,” he said. Coyotes director of amateur scouting Tim Bernhardt agreed Westerlund needs to bulk up but said that should come with maturity. “Really smart puck-mover, really calm, cool, poised,” Bernhardt said. “He can move the puck up ice.”
No. 69: Center/wing Mackenzie Entwistle
Age: 17.
Height: 6 feet, 3 inches.
Weight: 181 pounds.
Last season: Had 12 goals and 25 points in 54 games with Hamilton in the Ontario Hockey League. The 44th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting didn’t produce as much as he wanted, missing about a month due to mononucleosis. “You lose a lot of weight, and you feel out of it,” Entwistle said. “The hardest part for me was not being able to go to the rink and participate in practice and work out.”
Reaction: “I couldn’t be happier. I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s awesome.”
Scouting report: Beefing up is on his to-do list along with getting faster and improving his skating. “I’m more of an energy type of player and a role player,” he said.
No. 75: Center Nate Schnarr
Age: 18.
Height: 6 feet, 3 inches.
Weight: 181 pounds.
Last season: Had 18 goals and 36 points with Guelph in the OHL.
Reaction: “It’s almost surreal. You can’t really put words to it. You wake up yesterday dreaming of this moment and you think about it ever since you were a little kid waiting to put on an NHL jersey. Couldn’t be happier that I’m going to Arizona.”
Scouting report: Schnarr considers his play on the defensive side of the puck a strength. He’d like to expand his offensive repertoire, which includes becoming a power-play option and being able to suit up for any situation. Schnarr models his game after Jets center Mark Schiefele and hopes to become an elite center like him. “I spend a lot of time after practice working on my one-timer and my snap shot and everything that I needed to work on but also just wanting the puck,” Schnarr said. “I really wanted to play with the puck, take hits, create space for my linemates and myself to be able to create offense.”
No. 82: Defenseman Cameron Crotty
Age: 18.
Height: 6 feet, 3 inches.
Weight: 185 pounds.
Last season: Had four goals and 13 points in 41 games with Brockville of the Central Canada Hockey League.
Reaction: “It’s crazy. You just sit there, you’re waiting, it’s kind of stressful. You get a little anxious. When you hear your name called, a wave of emotion just hits you in the face. Biggest smile on my face, hugged all my family. It’s a crazy feeling. I’m definitely not going to forget this.”
Scouting report: Crotty has a mobile style but would like to hone his offensive instincts so he can become a two-way specialist. “I think taking care of the puck is going to be my forte,” Crotty said. He’s committed to Boston University. “It really came down to a gut feeling, an emotional feeling,” Crotty said. “I could just see myself playing there and going to school there. It was just a really good fit for me.”
No. 108: Defenseman Noel Hoefenmayer
Age: 18.
Height: 6 feet.
Weight: 190 pounds.
Last season: Had 14 goals and 40 points in 62 games with Ottawa in the OHL.
Scouting report: “He really pushes the play and pushes the envelope offensively,” Bernhardt said. “He’s a proactive defender, and his skating needs to come a little bit. We think as strength and maturity catches up to him, his legs will get stronger and the skating should come along. It’s not bad. It just needs to improve a little bit. We think that will happen.”
No. 126: Defenseman Michael Karow
Age: 18.
Height: 6 feet, 2 inches.
Weight: 194 pounds.
Last season: Had four goals and 21 points in 58 games with Youngstown of the United States Hockey League.
Scouting report: Karow is committed to Boston College. “He’s more of a defensive defenseman with some real good mobility,” Bernhardt said.
No. 128: Center Tyler Steenbergen
Age: 19.
Height: 5 feet, 10 inches.
Weight: 181 pounds.
Last season: Had 51 goals and 90 points in 72 games with Swift Current in the Western Hockey League. Won the Brad Hornung Trophy for the WHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player.
Scouting report: “He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s really quick,” Bernhardt said. “We really liked his first step and he scores. He scored a lot of goals this year, and it’s all because of his quickness and he’s got a quick shot.”
No. 190: Winger Erik Walli Walterholm
Age:18.
Height: 6 feet, 1 inch.
Weight: 179 pounds.
Last season: Had 28 goals and 57 points in 45 total games in Sweden.
Scouting report: “He’s a big kid with some offensive skill and good offensive mind. We’ll see where he gets to with his physical maturity, but he has a lot of time for that.”