Arizona Coyotes: Kyle Wood Making Noise In Tucson
Arizona Coyotes’ prospect Kyle Wood has put up stellar numbers with the Tucson Roadrunners.
Some prospects haven’t quite lived up to their billing thus far for the Arizona Coyotes.
Others, like defenseman Kyle Wood, have far exceeded expectations.
The 20-year-old defender has quietly amassed 28 points in just 26 games while playing for the Coyotes’ newly relocated affiliate in Tucson, and is a big part of why the Roadrunners continue to flirt with the top spot in the Pacific Division.
A defender operating at better than a point-per-game pace in his first professional season?
That raises some eyebrows. I’m sure it’s raised a few in the Coyotes’ front office.
Wood was part of the package acquired in the Mikkel Boedker trade.
At the time he was thought to be perhaps the most important part of that deal, and so far his tenure in the AHL has delivered on that promise. His comparison to other prominent Arizona Coyotes’ defensive prospects drive home just how great he’s been.
This week in Coyote land has been dominated by discussion about Anthony DeAngelo and his merits or lack thereof.
Related Story: DeAngelo Suspended Three Games For Abuse of Official
DeAngelo is an extremely talented offensive defenseman who was selected in the first round, 19th overall in 2014.
In his first season in the AHL, DeAngelo played in 69 games. He scored 6 goals and put up 37 assists for 43 total points. Those are pretty good numbers.
Wood is on pace to outscore DeAngelo before the middle of February. Let that sink in.
Touted as the most talented offensive d-man, Tony D might actually already be eclipsed (at least at the AHL level) by Kyle Wood.
Did we mention Wood was drafted in 2014 as well? He was picked in the 3rd round, 84th overall. Maybe there’s a chip on his shoulder.
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Not only is Wood on pace to outscore DeAngelo’s rookie totals in the AHL, he also has one thing DeAngelo can never match him on.
He’s 6’5.
Kyle Wood is a freakin’ monster.
As he grows into his frame, Wood could be a hulking presence on the Arizona Coyotes’ blue line for years to come.
His shot is already heavy, and it’s clear that when he touches the ice goals happen to find their way into the opposition net.
Whatever your thoughts on DeAngelo, Jakob Chychrun, Cam Dineen, or any other Yotes defensive prospect, Wood is a man to watch heading into the 2017-18 season.
Michael Stone is likely to be jettisoned at the trade deadline. There’s not many NHL viable options around on the right-hand side for Dave Tippett and John Chayka.
If Kyle Wood can keep lighting things up, he may find himself relocating to Glendale sooner rather than later.
There a ton of Coyotes’ prospects to be excited about who are playing in Tucson.
Next: Dvorak, Perlini Providing Hope Admist Seven Game Slide
Only one is 6’5 and averaging more than a point-per-game. His name is Kyle Wood.
We’ll be hearing more about him, of that I’m certain.