Arizona Coyotes Future: Five Young Players To Watch

Feb 24, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Mark Arcobello (36) high fives the bench after scoring during the second period against the New York Islanders at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Coyotes have had a very active trade deadline and solidified themselves as a team to watch out for next season. While this year has been a tough one to watch, Don Maloney has put this team in a position to make a push for the Stanley Cup in the years to come. It will be our part as fans to be patient and trust that the moves being made right now will pay off in the long run.

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The Arizona Coyotes will miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season this year and unlike the past two seasons; they will miss it by a long shot. With a current record of 21-42-8 the Coyotes sit 29th in the league in regards to points.

With that being said, the future does indeed look bright as it can’t get much worse than this. Next season should provide the fans with a glimpse in to the young talent that will grace the ice in Gila River Arena for many years to come.

Howlin’ Hockey breaks down five young players that you should watch for next season.

Next: Number Five

5. Anthony Duclair

Nov 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers left wing Anthony Duclair (63) attacks with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Rangers 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Duclair is a recent acquisition in result of the Keith Yandle trade to the New York Rangers. Duclair is a fast, skilled left wing that will provide scoring for the Arizona Coyotes in the near future. Duclair impressed the Rangers in the preseason with five points in five games to secure a spot on the roster. With New York, Duclair accounted for one goal and six assists in eighteen games as a rookie before being sent back down to the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL.

As a nineteen year old, Anthony Duclair has a lot of time to grow and should prove to be promising for the Arizona Coyotes franchise. Max Domi and Anthony Duclair were line-mates for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships so the chemistry between teammates is already there.

Domi to Duclair is something the Arizona Coyotes should get used to seeing.

Next: Number Four

4. Connor Murphy

Feb 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Dustin Tokarski (35) and Arizona Coyotes defenseman Connor Murphy (5) watch the puck during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Connor Murphy is shaping in to the core defenseman that he was sought out to be when the Coyotes selected him 20th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. The pairing of Murphy and Campbell has been beneficial post All-Star break and it should not let up any time soon. Murphy has proven that he can run the point and control the blue line time and time again; which is what the Coyotes need with the recent departure of Keith Yandle.

Another key component in Connor Murphy’s game is his physicality. Murphy uses his six foot, three inch stature to lay bodies down on the ice and clear the crease in front of Mike Smith. Murphy is not afraid to engage in a scrap or two either. So far Connor Murphy has tallied three goals and three assists for the Coyotes this season.

Next: Number 3

3. The 2015 First Round Draft Pick

The Coyotes have a realistic shot at landing either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel at the 2015 NHL Draft. Arizona currently sits at 29th with 50 points this year which solidifies a solid chance at a top three pick or better. It would be glorious if the Coyotes picked up McDavid (sitting at 118 points in 46 games) but if they don’t receive the number one overall pick, that is alright too. Jack Eichel is next in line as a member of the Boston University Terriers (61 points in 34 games).

Even with the third overall pick, the Coyotes can easily capitalize on a young player to aid in their efforts of a Stanley Cup championship. After Eichel there’s Noah Hanifin, Mitch Marner, and Dylan Strome. A majority of those names are said to be NHL ready and if Arizona keeps it up, one of these guys will in fact land in the desert.

There seems to be a common trend of building the team around Max Domi. McDavid happened to play on the same line as Anthony Duclair and Max Domi for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship. Reuniting that line in Arizona would definitely be ideal. On the other hand, Mitch Marner currently plays alongside Domi and Coyotes prospect Christian Dvorak with the London Knights in the OHL. The opportunities for line chemistry with Max are endless.

Next: Number 2

2. Tobias Rieder

Jan 31, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes right wing Tobias Rieder (8) skates in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Tobias Rieder has proven himself to the whole Coyotes organization over the past several months that he is ready to step it up. As an early call-up at the beginning of the year, Rieder solidified a spot on the pro roster. His speed and agility guarantees puck possession in the offensive zone.

This season he has 11 goals and 7 assists through 61 games played. While that may not seem a lot, the experience that this 22 year old is getting on the big stage is the primary statistic that should not be overlooked. The dreaded sophomore slump that limits returning players should not apply to Rieder as he is continually getting better each time he steps out on the ice.

Tobias Rieder already has a few highlights this year; including the one below against Edmonton.

Next: Number 1