Top Five Reasons Every Coyotes Fan Should Be Watching Training Camp

2. The “Fantastic Five”

Sep 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Harri Sateri (35) blocks a shot by Phoenix Coyotes left wing Lucas Lessio (51) during the second period at the SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Max Domi. Henrik Samuelsson. Lucas Lessio. Tyler Gaudet. Tobias Rieder.

These five forwards have been cited by GMDM and head coach Dave Tippett as the young guys to watch out for this year, and it’s true. All five could easily make the starting roster on any NHL team, and they’re all competing for just a few spots.

I would say that I’m sure that so-and-so and so-and-so are the two with the biggest lock to make the team, but the fact of the matter is, it’s still uncertain as to whom will be the one (or ones) to move up.

Lucas Lessio will be looking for a permanent spot, and already has some experience with the team. Henrik Samuelsson, as I’ve been preaching all week, has been looking absolutely on fire.

“There’s also Tyler Gaudet, who is the ultimate underdog- and has the work ethic to prove that getting overlooked in both the OHL and NHL entry drafts (plus falling short of his dreams of playing NCAA hockey) doesn’t mean he can’t have a future with the team.”

There’s also Tyler Gaudet, who is the ultimate underdog- and has the work ethic to prove that getting overlooked in both the OHL and NHL entry drafts (plus falling short of his dreams of playing NCAA hockey) doesn’t mean he can’t have a future with the team. Gone is the player who had to drop down from the major juniors to junior A hockey in 2011-2012, and in his place is a guy who came close to scoring twice during the first pre-season rookie game against the L.A. Kings.

Then, of course, there’s Gaudet’s foil- Max Domi. The sometimes-diva and always-explosive offensive superstar was punished for his on-ice immaturity by both spending another year in the OHL and being overlooked for Team Canada last year. Where Gaudet started from the bottom, Domi has always been here- but while a roster spot is everyone else’s to win, the spot is his to lose. Selfish play, retaliatory penalties, or unnecessary theatrics will all need to be conspicuously absent from Domi’s play in order for him to make the roster.

Finally, we come to another Oiler ready to carry Arizona to the playoffs- Tobias Rieder. If this former fourth-round pick can find a way to show he’s developed adequately, he could haunt Edmonton’s dreams all season.