IF there was one reason I was higher on the Coyotes this summer than most, it was because I felt that some of their under-the-radar pickups, specifically Vinny Hinostroza, Jordan Oesterle and Michael Grabner, were very underrated.
So far, I have been impressed with all three, but especially the blazing fast Hinostroza, who has been great.
In eleven games so far, he's got three goals and three assists. Not exactly mindblowing numbers, but still very good.
Hinostroza is averaging just over 12 minutes 5v5 per game, fifth of the team's forwards. He's also fifth in PP ice time. He has played mostly on a line with Brad Richardson and Michael Grabner, and it's been super effective.
Half of Hinostroza's points have come on the power play, but there is reason to be optimistic about his 5v5 scoring - his on ice shooting percentage (meaning the shooting percentage of everyone while he's on the ice) is under 4%, so he should have more points.
This is partly because he and Grabner have been a bit unlucky, but also because Brad Richardson is going to repress your ability to rack up points.
Hinostroza has been especially effective in driving possession with his speed. When he's on the ice, the Coyotes have controlled almost 60% of the play.
Basically, he's been awesome. I think Brad Richardson is a good player, but since he can't score he really shouldn't be playing higher than a fourth line.
Would Dylan Strome look good between Hinostroza and Grabner? I think that he would!
The 24 year old Hinostroza has proven to be a very astute pickup by GM John Chayka, and paired with Strome, a 30 goal season is not out of the question.
Stats from naturalstattrick.com