Arizona Coyotes: Draft Evaluation Roundtable

Arizona Coyotes Howlin’ Hockey Writers’ Draft Analysis Roundtable

We will each take our turn to grade the Coyotes draft choices made at this year’s entry draft. At the end, you the readers, will get your chance to grade the Coyotes draft via an enclosed poll.

First up is the rookie — Thomas Malone, who just joined the Howlin’ Hockey team this month. Here’s his analysis:

Well! Draft day is in the books, and WOW was it an exciting one! The Arizona Coyotes made some solid picks that again, will make our team stronger. I don’t know about you, but I’m still a little hyped about the draft, so why don’t we talk about the Arizona Coyote’s nine draft picks!

Dylan Strome (1st Round, 3rd Overall, Lake Erie (OHL))

The Coyotes had many choices they couldn’t go wrong with for their third overall selection. In the end, they decided to go with the big center, a choice many people foretold. He is big, he is fast, and he has a nose for the net. Strome will likely become a top tier center in the Coyotes future; some are predicting a top two center within two years, or less.

Draft Grade: A

Nick Merkley (1st Round, 30th Overall, Kelowna (WHL))

No one expected the Coyotes to draft Nick Merkley, everyone expected him to be gone by time our next pick was called. He was projected to be drafted anywhere between 14th through 24th, overall. An extremely skilled play-maker, Merkley knows how to set up plays, and make things happen.

Draft Grade: A+

Christian Fischer (2nd Round, 32nd Overall, US-Under-18)

Fischer is a solid two-way power forward, he is consistent, and focuses primarily on positioning. While we may not see amazing numbers from him, he will bring a consistently good two-way game to AZ. The kind of game Head Coach Dave Tippett likes to play. He also has shown he can bring some physicality to every game, adding a bit of grit to the roster as well.

Draft Grade: B

Kyle Capobianco (3rd Round, 63rd Overall, Sudbury (OHL))

The only reason Capobianco didn’t do higher in the draft was he was on a weak team. He plays a good two-way game, (see a pattern developing here…) with the ability to set up scoring chances, and quarterback an offense on one end. Yet, he still can make smart plays, and break up passing lanes on the other end. With some development he might turn into a solid depth defense-man.

OVERALL GRADE FOR THOMAS MALONE IS: 3.2, OR B

Next up for his draft analysis is Adam Pierce:

Dylan Strome: A

You really could not go wrong with Strome or Marner at number three. Strome led the OHL in scoring with 129 points and that offensive production is exactly what the Coyotes need. Strome will be the Coyotes go-to playmaker down the road.

Nick Merkley: B+

In the final TSN draft rankings, Nick Merkley was projected 17th overall and the Coyotes were able to snag him with the 30th pick. Merkley can be described as a “watered down” Mitch Marner with his ability to score points. With 20 goals and 70 assists, Merkley finished sixth in the WHL in scoring with 90 points. The Merkley pick by the Arizona Coyotes is better than a few of the other team’s first round selections.

Christian Fischer: C-

Fischer has a strong awareness on the ice and is consistent with his skating. The Coyotes must see something in this kid as he was not projected to be taken until later in the second round. He will be sure to sharpen his skills at Notre Dame this Fall.

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Kyle Capobianco: C+

Capobianco was the only defenseman selected by the Arizona Coyotes this year at 63rd overall. The -49 is concerning to most people but if you were to see the make up of the Sudbury Wolves this year you would understand. This player is smart and has a keen awareness to take away passing lanes.

Adin Hill: B-

Hill can certainly add more depth to goaltending. His 2.81 GAA and .921 SV% is impressive but nothing to praise the world about. He will definitely have an up-hill battle if he would like to crack the AHL squad in the next couple of years.

Brendan Warren: C

It is difficult to say how this pick will play out. Warren will more than likely complete his degree at the University of Michigan before he makes a case to be an Arizona Coyote. 38 points in 61 games with the US National Under-18 Team can certainly improve with time.

Jens Looke: C-

Looke has a strong puck handling ability as he skates down the ice. He is a playmaker and can set someone up to score from anywhere on the ice. Jens Looke has potential but that depends on how well he develops in the SHL.

Conor Garland: B+

Garland was a good pick up for the Coyotes at 123rd overall. Conor led the QMJHL in points with 129 in 67 games played. He may be able to earn a roster spot in two year’s time if he continues to work hard in the juniors. Do not be surprised if this is the 2015 Draft Gem eight year’s down the road. I am calling it now, this kid will be something.

Erik Kallgren: D

Not too impressive with this pick by the Arizona Coyotes. A better pick would be for another two-way defenseman rather than a goaltender out of the SHL. With Visentin, Domingue, Leggio, Langhamer, and now Adin Hill; Kallgren will have a difficult battle if he wants to play.

OVERALL GRADE FOR ADAM PIERCE: 2.4, OR C

Finally, Editor of Howlin’ Hockey, Bill Grigsby kicks in his analysis of the Coyotes draft:

Dylan Strome: A

While some are already comparing Strome to Joe Thornton, or Ryan Getzlaf, he has yet to play a NHL game. I’m not saying he’s going to be a bust, I am merely pointing out he hasn’t done anything yet in the NHL. Was he a great OHL player for the Erie Otters? You bet. I like his size, and his only improvement (which he realizes) is his skating. His first step needs to improve, and once that happens…look out! I predict he will be given a shot at training camp, but much like what GM Maloney did with Max Domi to improve his game, and maturity level, Strome will be leading the Erie Otters next year in scoring; and without a Connor McDavid to distract from his accomplishments. He could get called up late in the season to see what he can do. Good choice, and I’m glad the Yotes kept the pick. It makes the team so much better offensively.

Nick Merkley: A-

This winger was a true surprise pick, in that he was still on the board. GM Don Maloney didn’t waste any time selecting the playmaking forward. With 20g-70a he reminds me of a Ray Whitney type of player who would rather set up his line-mates than shoot himself. This was a true steal for the Yotes. Good player with excellent potential. Keep an eye on this young prospect, he’s going to be exceptional.

Christian Fischer: C

Just what the Coyotes needed — a physical two-way forward who fits into Head Coach Dave Tippett’s system. He will be playing at Notre Dame, so keep your eyes peeled on his progress. Another good selection by GMDM.

Kyle Capobianco: C

The only blue-liner chosen by the Yotes, and he may just be an average D-man, because he lacks size. At 6′ 1″, 180 lbs, he needs to bulk up, if he intends to battle huge forwards in the NHL. I’m not totally impressed with this pick, since he claims to be an offensive defenseman. Good luck when you have an OEL to compete with dude.

Adin Hill: A-

He will have some competition with the depth the Coyotes have in the AHL at this position, but I’ve read some good things about his potential. And, we all know Mike Smith will not be getting any younger. The team still hopes to acquire a backup goalie, and we had an excellent candidate in Devan Dubnyk, but he wanted to be a starter. If Hill can develop, he may be a strong goalie, much in the mold of a Mike Smith. He stands 6′ 3″, 198 lbs, so he resembles Smitty in stature alone right now.

Brendan Warren: C

He is a left wing, and nothing spectacular about his game. We will see how he develops. The Yotes will watch how he performs at the University of Michigan, and make an assessment as to his potential with the NHL. He was a sleeper in that he was predicted to go early second round, and wound up getting selected 81st. Another question mark as to his level of advancement in the Coyotes system.

Jens Looke: C-

The Yotes will need to take a closer LOOK at him to see how well he can play. He possesses speed and puck handling skills, but like so many young players he will need to work hard to make it to the next level.

Conor Garland: A-

This kid led the QMJHL, and his small stature did not sway GMDM’s choice here. At 5′ 8″, 165 lbs he has got to be hard to catch in a race for the puck. I really like this prospect, and his scoring abilities. Keep your computer searches zeroed in on his progress, because like my colleaague Adam Pierce — I think we have a good one here.

Erik Kallgren: D

Like my two staff writers, Thomas and Adam I agree this prospect has little chance of breaking ahead of his competition at the goaltending position. It was the team’s last pick, and at that point I’m not sure who else was left. Two goalies being drafted by the Coyotes was rare, so we shall see what goes down with this pick. I predict not much.

OVERALL GRADE FOR BILL GRIGSBY: 2.8, OR C+

Now it is your turn, fans to grade the Arizona Coyotes 2015 draft class. Take the poll, hey… it’s better than getting bugged with a survey call on a Sunday night, while you’re trying to eat dinner!

Next: Arizona Coyotes 2015 Draft Selection Fact Sheet