Some mysteries are beyond human understanding. The origin of the universe. Statues on Easter Island. Why socks disappear in the washing machine. And how and why the Arizona Coyotes are allowed to play in an arena that seats fewer than 5,000 fans this season.
The Coyotes' arena situation, and short-term competitive outlook is unsettling. The team projects to be the worst team in the NHL this season. The organization's future in Arizona is foggy at best.
It doesn't seem like anyone can predict what will happen next with this franchise. But it struck me today as I reviewed the team's quilted-together roster that you can see the promise of a better tomorrow
Even in the messiness of this situation, the Coyotes are putting together some pieces of a team that could eventually be good.
Here are the players I believe could be foundation blocks for a quality team in Arizona (or elsewhere) in three year's time.
1. Center Logan Cooley, No. 3 pick in the 2022 draft: He's going to the University of Minnesota, but could be in the Coyotes' lineup by the end of this upcoming season. Has the talent to be a one-and-done college player. He's a slick, dynamic, hard-working future No. 1 center. Red Line Report Chief Scout Kyle Woodlief compares him to Anaheim's Trevor Zegras. Woodlief says he has "uncanny ability to slip by would-be checkers."
2. Right Wing Dylan Guenther, No. 9 overall in the 2021: Guenther is 6-foot-2, 185 pounds and can skate, shoot and score. The skilled forward netted 45 goals in 59 games for the Western Hockey League's Edmonton Oil Kings last season. He will play on Cooley's wing in the not-so-distant-future. Guenther has the ability to play now, although there is no reason to rush him.
3. Right wing Clayton Keller, No. 7 overall in 2016: Don't forget that Keller is still only 24. He has recovered from an ugly broken leg suffered last season and is expected to be ready for training camp. He is a showstopper offensive player, showing that last season with 28 goals and 63 points in 67 games.
4. Defenseman Jakob Chychrun, drafted 16th overall in 2016: The Coyotes are listening to trade offers for him but are clear they would only move him if he receives multiple players who are first-round equivalents. In other words, they would need a couple of first-round picks and a top prospect. Chychrun is an impressive physical specimen. He's 6-foot-2, 220 pounds. Chychrun, whose father Jeff played in the NHL, scored 18 goals two seasons ago. He's under contract for this season and two more at $4.6 million per season. 5. Left Wing Lawson Crouse, acquired from Florida Panthers: Several teams wanted to acquire him last season from the Coyotes. He's a 6-foot-5, Hulk-like forward, who can score 20 goals. He is just 25 and still will be in his prime when this Coyotes' group is ready to shine. He is contractually obligated to the Coyotes for the next five seasons at $4.3 million per season 6. Center Conor Geekie, drafted 11th overall in 2022: He's a 6-foot-3 gritty center who totaled 70 points in 63 games last season in the Western Hockey League. Geekie will be NHL ready in three years time. He is the younger brother of Seattle Kraken player Morgan Geekie.
7. Center Nick Schmaltz, acquired in trade from Chicago: No one pays much attention to Schmaltz but he's skilled center who had 59 points in 63 games for the worst offensive team in hockey. He's only 26. He will still be able to contribute when this team is ready. Last season. Schmaltz posted an eight-point game. 8. Center Jack McBain, acquired in trade from the Minnesota Wild: The former Boston College player likes to hit and can chip in some goals. McBain is only 22. He's 6-foot-3, 210 pounds. He scored twice in 10 games last season for the Coyotes. 9. Defenseman Victor Soderstrom, drafted No. 11 overall in 2019: Should be ready to play regularly this season in the NHL. The Swedish player projects to be safe, dependable two-way defenseman.
10. Center Barrett Hayton, drafted 5th overall in 2019: He hasn't yet developed into the premium scorer the Coyotes hoped he would be. But he's still only 22 and he made strides last season.
The Coyotes may not have an Auston Matthews or a Connor McDavid ready to come aboard. But they have a collection of foundation block players who can make this team a playoff team in three seasons.
Arizona could be the worst team in the NHL this season. But the overall team roster isn't quite as bad as it looks.
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