Arizona Coyotes: Mitch Marner Moving Up In Draft Order

Arizona Coyotes’ Interest In Mitch Marner May Be Rising

We all know that Noah Hanifin, or Dylan Strome have had the spotlight for being the third overall pick at the NHL Entry Draft on June 26th. But, hold on to your Taser guns Arizona Coyotes fans — Mitch Marner is approaching quickly like American Pharoah in the back stretch! Consider also the line chemistry of Domi, Dvorak, and Marner? Throw in Anthony Duclair who played well with Domi in the World Juniors Championship, and you may see a sprinkling of a smile on both GM Don Maloney’s face, as well as his Head Coach Dave Tippett (less likely… it’s just not his nature). Take a look at some of his highlights and see for yourself:

He’s described by Curtis Joe of eliteprospects.com:

A dynamic offensive forward that back-checks hard and establishes his presence through playing smart, puck-possession hockey. A very quick skater gifted with great hands and hockey sense. Battles hard in all three zones and shows a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the puck to the back of the net; an unselfish player. Embodies the definition of a dynamic number-generating machine who makes the players around him better. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)

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Here’s how Marner is ranked by various scouting services:

Ranked #3 by Hockeyprospect.com

Ranked #6 by ISS Hockey

Ranked #5 by Future Considerations

Ranked #4 by McKeen’s Hockey

Ranked #6 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)

Ranked #4 by TSN/McKenzie

Of course, the intriguing part of the NHL Entry Draft will be when the Arizona Coyotes draft at number three. Toronto at number four is VERY interested in who the Coyotes select, as well as the Carolina Hurricanes at number five. There may be some deals done, but more times than not, that doesn’t happen. I don’t know if the Maple Leafs want Dylan Strome enough to trade a player to the Arizona Coyotes and swap pick positions. I think the Coyotes will take either Mitch Marner or Dylan Strome. Strome is holding strong at the primary choice for the third selection, but each team will choose according to their needs.

Toronto is in a re-building mode as well, and don’t even see a need to hire a GM before the draft. I guess they will allow Mike Babcock to perform those duties? As long as GM Don Maloney gets the prospect he wants, and he has the bargaining position in his favor, the Arizona Coyotes will come out better than their lame arena deal with the city of Glendale.

One player who has really rocketed up in the rankings is Ivan Provorov, a Russian defenseman who will run you over and still has a slick offensive game. He’s projected to go at about number seven to number nine at this time.

Here’s Provorovs’ stats:

You know that Carolina wants a defenseman, and if they can’t get Hanifin, projected at number three, will they want to trade up to number three? Then, if that doesn’t happen they may look to Provorov. The question is will the Arizona Coyotes want to move down to number six or number seven, to take Provorov, and who can Carolina give them to entice them to do that? Ah… the possibilities are endless. How many more days until Draft Day?

Next: Potential Trades With Arizona Coyotes For Third Draft Pick

Arizona Coyotes’ Interest In Mitch Marner May Be Rising

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