Arizona Coyotes Mock Draft

Arizona Coyotes Choose Jack Eichel In The NHL 2015 Entry Draft

Many Arizona Coyotes hockey fans hope that will be the announcement when NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman steps to the podium this summer, and announces “With the second pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, the Arizona Coyotes select Jack Eichel.” If it truly will be Jack Eichel, the Arizona franchise may change all for the better. Will he be ready to jump to the NHL? More than likely, according to the experts.

Here’s what Bill Placzek of draftsite.com has to say about Eichel:

The US born centre may not be as good as the top guy but he sure looks like a generational player in his own right. He is a quick off the face-off circle skater who can jump onto defender can get pucks before they know it. A power player who could also project to wing, because he has tremendous jump, balance and punch when he engages. So light on his edges, with a powerful long stride, and a really long reach, he is beyond dangerous with the puck. Finds himself the open spaces. Can enter and exit the face-off circle with the the puck and ramp to high gear and let it go as quick as the best. Reads situations and can go end to end like the 200 foot player he is. Plays centre and is very good there, but his quick release and wall work might have teams projecting him as a attack winger too. He is a lunchpail team player with impact player toolbox. He was selected to the roster for the World Junior Under-18 Tournament in April. Already committed to Boston University where he began with strong goal and point totals from the onset. There’s no doubt in my mind he could dethrone McDavid, based on his all-around smarts and play. So many of the recent early first rounders are kept on the NHL rosters because the braintrust think they better off developing there, and giving the fans a look at what might be coming. In Eichel’s case, you will see him take a top centre role away from someone, because he is a game-changer from shift one. A member of his homeland’s team roster for the World Junior Under-20 at Christmas 2014.

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Some kind words, especially the part where he mentions “he could dethrone McDavid, based on his all-around smarts and play.” I have been in the Valley since 1974, and have been a Coyotes fan from inception, and if that is not the MOST EXCITING statement made about a potential player for the team, then I’m not sure what would be. To have a dominant, young player who is a “game changer” alongside someone like Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who has developed into that type of player, has got to excite every Arizona Coyotes player and their fans… period.

What if…?

What if the Arizona Coyotes don’t get Eichel (the chances are 13.5% that they get the first pick, even better to get the second pick)? But, it is called a lottery for a reason. Nothing is guaranteed. Say, Buffalo doesn’t pull the number one pick, and then they drop down to number two.. then Eichel will be gone, and Buffalo will snatch him up. So, let’s go down the talent list to see the other possibilities.

Noah Hanifin (D) will probably go number three, and here is what Bill Placzek says about him:

Large two way defender who displays good vision and on ice smarts. Is a mobile fluid defenseman who has an excellent offensive upside to match his edgy defensive side. Four-direction skater who has great vision, poise, and makes the best plays on most shifts.
Has verbally committed to Boston College.

Not exactly the kudos you heard about Eichel, or the words he mentioned about McDavid:

One of the most talked about prospects in awhile, he was granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada, and became just the third player to be granted the draft exemption behind New York Islanders forward John Tavares and current Barrie Colts defenceman Aaron Ekblad. In April 2012, he was named the GTHL’s player of the year after scoring 33 goals and 39 assists for 72 points in only 33 games with the Marlies. Incredible on-ice vision, and can control play at top speed. Possesses all-direction skating ability and great acceleration that compliments his high-end skill-set. His vision, IQ, skating and hands make his a threat with every touch. Plays at such an exceptionally high tempo that he is a threat whenever he is on the ice. He was selected to the roster for the World Junior Under-18 Tournament in April, 2013. and was also a member of his homeland’s team roster for the World Junior Under-20 at Christmas 2014.

Could the Arizona Coyotes use another good, stable D-man? Of course, their defense was lacking quite a bit this season, and an improvement in that area is always welcomed. If it presents itself, I’m certain that GM Don Maloney will go with the best player, and if Hanifin is still on the board, I don’t think it would be a poor choice.

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Dylan Strome ( C ) will probably go number four, and Bill Placzek has this to say about him:

Needs very little time and space to let quality chances fly off his stick. He does tend to hold the biscuit and try to one man the play when he could use his linemates. That may be because he has high confidence in his handling abilities, and his ability to put the eventually puck wherever he wants. If he keep his game simple he can be part of a dominating unit. He is great at finding a place for himself in the slot and get his stick on shots or his devastating wrist shot go. Has shown in junior all the attributes you look for in projecting a prospect to the pro game: Speed, power, vision, and high end hands that help him carve the attack zone piece by piece. Has a willingness to work the wall and his reach and speed win many 50/50 puck battles. The only negative might be that his defensive effort has been questioned and that it appears on many shifts, he can go unnoticed or just seems to be invisible. (In perspective, there are very few prospects whom this description doesn’t apply.)

He would be a suitable center that the Arizona Coyotes could use to add some punch to their lifeless offense. If he were to be selected, he would need to improve his weak defensive tendencies, since Coach Tippett likes two way players who can play at both ends of the ice.

Mitchell Marner (RW) is projected as the number seven pick from the OHL London Knights

A teammate of Max Domi, and led the Knights in scoring this season with 44 G, 82 A, for 126 points in 63 games. His offensive ability would help the Arizona Coyotes immensely, but they can’t get Eichel and Marner both. The concept of seeing Domi, Marner, and Duclair on the same team just blows me away. That would definitely put the team on new levels of success.

Placzek’s evaluation of Marner:

Has abundant skill, speed, agility, and quick hands that makes him a threat on every touch. A hard worker who uses his gifts as a relentless forechecker, attacker and scorer. Reads the play and is a good set up man besides being a 200 foot home run end to end attacker. Clearly not a kid man but still is willing to attack the front, work the corners and engage with the enemy whenever necessary. He works hard to get pucks back, no matter the price. Great combination of hand-eye-feet speed and edging that set him apart from most of the others in the Canada Under-18 camp. His strength is his great lateral agility and ability to keep possession through countless defenders, read the options, and then place a soft pass on to a teammate’s stick.

At this point we must all wait until June 26th to see the results, and determine who the Arizona Coyotes will draft. McDavid, Eichel, Hanifin, Marner are all excellent, young players… maybe even future superstars in the NHL. To add them to your team will do everything you imagine, and then some. Increased attendance, better standing for the team, and building for the future.

Next: Arizona Coyotes With Connor McDavid In The Lineup

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