Arizona Coyotes Prospects Update

As the CHL seasons move towards the half way point, I decided to post update the progress of each NHL teams players currently playing in junior or minor leagues. The first team on the list would be the Anaheim Ducks, but I was having trouble posting that one. So I’ll start with the next team, the Arizona Coyotes. Their prospect pipeline is mostly extended into the CHL, but there is some players in the AHL. Arizona has extreme depth on the left-wing, as well as decent depth down the middle and on the point.

Taking a quick glance at the Coyotes prospect list there is one position has great depth and skill, center. Max Domi has been a dominant force for the London Knights of the OHL. He is 3rd in the league in scoring, and 2nd in assists (31) behind Connor McDavid.

Sep 22, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Max Domi (16) looks on during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Every game it seems he finds a different way to dish his teammates the puck for key scoring chances. The 5’10” center has also been a threat on the Knights power play. He often finds himself taking shots from the point, but not just any shots, smart shots.

Ryan MacInnis is another great center who is consistent,  but doesn’t always make headlines. He has quietly risen to second in scoring on the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. He is 14 points behind his total last year of 37, and his 1.15 points per game puts away any doubts about him accomplishing that feat.

Lastly at center Laurent Dauphin is generating a break out season in the QMJHL. His 11 goal and 11 assists leads his team, the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, who are last in their division. Dauphin can really hold his own on the ice. He is rarely knocked off the puck and is always moving.

Moving to the blue line, the Coyotes defensive prospects had their two best D-men graduate to the NHL. Brandon Gormley, who recently scored his first NHL goal, and Connor Murphy, who spent time with the big club last year, and had time in the AHL. That leaves big shoes to fill, and trying to fill those shoes is Connor Clifton. So far he hasn’t done the best job. In the 10 games he’s played for Quinnipiac, he has 3 assists and has not been the greatest on the defensive side of the ice. If he wants to compete with his brother Tim, he will certainly need to pick up his game.

Looking at all of the Arizona Coyotes, the early MVP seems to be Max Domi. He has been the most consistent of all the forwards in the pipeline and has put up the most points. The Least Valuable Player is not a player is this case, it is the entire right-wing position. It lacks a lot of skill and there isn’t a lot of prospects at the right side. Ryan MacInnis is the Unsung Hero. As I mentioned earlier, he has been doing great things, but doesn’t get the credit he deserves for it. He is not a superb player, but still a noticeable one.

The next team, after I post the Anaheim Ducks, is the Boston Bruins. David Pastrnak leads the group of talented and young players. Look for this next week.