Arizona Coyotes Top 30 Players – Per Howlin’ Hockey
Howlin’ Hockey takes a look at the 30 best Arizona Coyotes’ players as voted by our writers and editor. We all ranked the 30 top players, and here’s the results.
#30 Keith Ballard (2005-06 to 2007-08) By: Chris Reid
Keith Ballard was an elite defenseman drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. But before he made his NHL debut he was traded twice: once to the Colorado Avalanche, and then to the Phoenix Coyotes. Early comparisons of Ballard projected him to be a puck rushing defenseman in the mold of Phil Housley.
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Ballard played collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota for three years, and also had time in United States Hockey League.
Ballard’s initial year in Phoenix was considered a success, with 8 g and 39 points while scoring three short-handed goals in 82 games. The next season he missed 13 games to a broken hand, but went on to score 27 points (5 G, 22 A).
Ballard was considered to be a up-and-coming star in the NHL and the Coyotes featured him in marketing and commercials for the team.
The following season, his last in Phoenix, Ballard slumped to 21 points scored (6 G, 15 A) despite playing 82 games. During the 2008 NHL Entry Draft Ballard was dealt to the Florida Panthers, along with Nick Boynton and a draft pick for the failed Olli Joking experiment.
After Ballard’s tenure in Phoenix, he went on to play for the Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild. As of yet, Ballard has not yet announced his retirement from the NHL. But, if he were to retire now his numbers would reflect 604 games played, 38 G and 138 A for 175 points. It is unlikely that Ballard will continue, as he was subject to a head injury during his last game with the Wild, and he is currently a free agent.
Next: #29