This May Be Henrik Samuelsson Year To Break Into The Arizona Coyotes Lineup
Henrik Samuelsson will be living in a dream world if he finally makes it to the NHL with the Arizona Coyotes this season. Having grown up right here in Scottsdale Arizona, he is very familiar with the area. His father, Ulf played in the NHL from 1984-85 to 1999-2000 with Hartford, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Philadelphia, and the New York Rangers.
He has since moved to coaching, and held an assistant coaching position with the then Phoenix Coyotes from 2006-2011. From 2013 to the present he has been performing assistant coaching duties for the New York Rangers.
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Henrik was chosen as the 27th overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft of 2012 by the then Phoenix Coyotes, and has progressed well. He played three seasons in the WHL for the Edmonton Oil Kings before progressing to the AHL Portland Pirates last season.
Samuelsson’s size (6′ 3″, 209) is a definite asset the Arizona Coyotes intend on using. His physical style of play will come in handy playing against the larger teams, like the L.A. Kings. His large frame along the boards retrieving loose pucks will aid him in setting up his line-mates. Speaking of line mates, in a pre-season game against the L.A. Kings in September of 2014, he, Martin Hanzal, and Max Domi cleaned up for a combined nine points.
Henrik Samuelsson also has a nose for the net, and hangs around the crease area for those loose pucks. His big body can screen the goalie with the best of them.
The problem Henrik may face trying to break into the lineup this upcoming season is the fierce competition he will face. With the likes of Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, Brendan Perlini, Christian Dvorak, or even the team’s third overall pick this year, Dylan Strome, he faces tough odds to break out of training camp with a roster spot.
The other intriguing thing about Henrik Samuelsson is his older brother, Philip is also in the Arizona Coyotes system after being acquired in a trade last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The senior Samuelsson is also impressing Arizona Coyotes management and scouts with his play as a defenseman in the AHL.
The two brothers played together with Portland, and may experience something special by playing together for the same team in the NHL. Our southwest edition of the Sedin brothers may become a reality, if they can both make the team.
Henrik did have a concussion issue last season, but seems to be fine now. He had two goals and 3 assists in the Calder Trophy playoffs for Portland, and is looking forward to training camp this September.
Here’s his stats:
There’s one thing certain, this training camp will have a ton of hungry, talented prospects, and Henrik Samuelsson is certainly one of them.
Next: Arizona Coyotes: Youngs Guns Could Become Next Toews/Kane
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