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Arizona Coyotes Domi-Duclair Impact- Pierce Edition

By Adam Pierce |

Howlin’ Hockey staff writer, Adam Pierce, breaks down the performance of Max Domi and Anthony Duclair of the Arizona Coyotes.

Max Domi and Anthony Duclair have been generating a lot of buzz with the Arizona Coyotes. The fans have been waiting a long time to see the skills of these two on the ice and the wait is finally over. Everyone was excited to hear that both received a spot on the professional roster this season. 

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Max Domi was the young superstar in the making after being drafted 12th overall in 2013. Anthony Duclair was the product of a huge trade that sent former Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle to the New York Rangers. Both of these players were the initial pieces to the franchise rebuild going on in the desert.

More From Howlin’ Hockey -> Arizona Coyotes Fan Poll: Max Domi Vs. Anthony Duclair

A couple days ago our editor Bill Grigsby sent me a list of questions regarding both Domi and Duclair that are answered throughout this article. The season hype surrounding these two has been crazy as they have been an absolute joy to watch. Back in August I wrote a piece breaking down both Domi and Duclair, giving fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite. It’s safe to say that both of these players have exceeded my expectations since then. If you would like to cast a vote for your favorite, just click here. Enjoy my answers to the following questions provided to me by my editor, Bill.

1. How do you think the Arizona Coyotes would be doing without Domi and Duclair?

I do not think the Arizona Coyotes would be in the position they are right now without Max Domi and Anthony Duclair. Just thinking roster-wise, you would essentially have Henrik Samuelsson, Lucas Lessio, or Matthias Plachta making a spot on the professional roster without Domi and Duclair. Those three names, along with countless others on the Springfield Falcons, are not ready for NHL action. Regular healthy scratches, such as enforcer John Scott, would see a lot more ice time as well.

Max Domi is currently tied with Martin Hanzal for the team lead in points with 10 through nine games. Duclair is not far behind with seven points of his own. The nine goals that Domi and Duclair have combined for are very significant in a few of the team’s wins this season. I could see the Arizona Coyotes having a record of 2-6-0 without these guys on the roster.

Oct 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes center Max Domi (16) warms up before playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

2. What is your prediction for goals scored, total points for each prospect?

This question is tough to answer this early on in the season. Both Max Domi and Anthony Duclair have been hot out the gate, so the question is whether or not they can keep it up. I do believe that they will both eclipse the 40 point mark that I predicted for each at the beginning of the year. With 73 games left in the season, both players could potentially be in the mid-fifties to low-sixties if they keep it up.

My prediction:

Max Domi: 22 goals, 34 assists, 56 points.

Anthony Duclair: 20 goals, 31 assists, 51 points.

3. Do you think Hanzal’s play has been elevated by playing with Domi and Duclair?

I believe Martin Hanzal has thrived with the edition of these two youngsters on his line. The new faces paired up with Hanzal provides the big-man with a fresh start. A Domi/Duclair/Hanzal line provides much more speed, physicality, and intensity than any line from last season. If Hanzal can stay healthy, these three will continue to light up the stat-sheet.

Oct 14, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Anthony Duclair (10) reacts against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Where do you think each prospect will finish in rookie scoring in the NHL?

I believe that Max Domi can “steal” the Calder Trophy from Connor McDavid this year. McDavid has been crowned as the top contender for this season’s rookie of the year. However, through nine games that title most rightfully belongs to Max Domi. Anthony Duclair is not far behind them either. I strongly believe that both Arizona Coyotes rookies will finish in the top five in rookie scoring.

Below is how I think the rookie scoring list will look at season’s end.

Adam’s Top Five Rookie Scoring Leaders:

1. Max Domi (Arizona Coyotes)

2. Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)

3. Oscar Lindberg (New York Rangers)

4. Anthony Duclair (Arizona Coyotes)

5. Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings)

5. What is your expectation for the team in three to five years with the possible addition of other prospects like Dvorak, Perlini, Strome, and Merkley?

The Arizona Coyotes will be a playoff team in the next three to five years. There’s no doubt in my mind. The prospects that this team has a hold of will benefit the entire franchise moving forward. Christian Dvorak should be the next guy in line to receive NHL ice-time. By the time that all the names have been established on the team, Domi and Duclair will be seasoned veterans. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are both wearing the alternate captaincy underneath Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

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Next: Arizona Coyotes Anthony Duclair Verdict Is In

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