The Arizona Coyotes released their rookie camp schedule and roster to kick off the 2016-17 NHL preseason.
Rookie camp is just around the corner for NHL teams and the Arizona Coyotes.
The organization released their camp schedule on Thursday afternoon, highlighted by two scrimmages against the Los Angeles Kings.
There will also be plenty of star power as the team’s carefully assembled prospects take the ice for a stab at an NHL roster spot.
Here’s the Yotes’ press release and schedule:
"Arizona Coyotes General Manager John Chayka announced today the schedule for the Coyotes 2016-17 Rookie Camp that is set to begin on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. at Gila River Arena. All rookie camp practices at Gila River Arena are free and open to the public. Fans should enter through Gate #3/Security entrance."
"The Coyotes rookie camp will include first-round draft choices Jakob Chychrun (2016), Dylan Strome (2015), Nick Merkley (2015) and Brendan Perlini (2014). In addition, prospects including Christian Dvorak, Lawson Crouse, Conor Garland, Christian Fischer and Adin Hill will attend."
"The following is a complete schedule of events for the Coyotes 2016-17 Rookie Camp."
"Saturday, Sept. 171 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – On-Ice PracticeSunday, Sept. 1810 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – On-Ice PracticeMonday, Sept. 1911 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – On-Ice PracticeTuesday, Sept. 209:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Pre-Game Skate6 p.m. – Game vs. Los Angeles KingsWednesday, Sept. 2110 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Practice (Non-Game Players)2 p.m. – Game vs. Los Angeles Kings"
The roster of Coyotes players who will be attending was also released.
Needless to say, the Arizona Coyotes’ rookie camp is a huge deal for fans and players alike.
We’ve seen and heard about some of these names for several seasons now. Fans are eager to see the youth break through and begin their journey to NHL stardom.
The prospects themselves are eager to prove that they are worth the hype.
Dylan Strome, Christian Dvorak, and Brendan Perlini in particular have a huge weight of expectations on their shoulders.
Strome and Dvorak are widely predicted to be near locks for spending time in Glendale this season, while thoughts regarding Perlini are a bit less optimistic.
Perlini has had an up and down journey since being selected in the first round of the 2014 draft by former General Manager Don Maloney. It’s fair to say he hasn’t quite lived up to the initial hype or perceived potential.
Next: Which Prospects Have the Best Odds To Make Coyotes' Roster?
That doesn’t mean he won’t be a good pro, though. Milan Lucic didn’t exactly set the world on fire in juniors either.
Christian Fischer and Lawson Crouse will be two others to keep an eye on.
With three roster spots potentially up for grabs, the drama will be high.