Arizona Coyotes Prospect Christian Dvorak Ready For The NHL
Arizona Coyotes prospect Christian Dvorak continues to defy his draft slot, putting up impressive numbers for the London Knights while leading the team to it’s second Memorial Cup. Is Dvorak ready for the NHL, or will Coyotes fans be watching him in Tucson?
The Arizona Coyotes and other pockets of the NHL have made a good deal of noise about 2015 first round pick Dylan Strome. Rightly so with the skills he possesses.
There’s another center in the Yotes pipeline that might have a game that’s more suited to where he’d slot into the NHL right now, however, and that name is 2014 second rounder Christian Dvorak.
The twenty-year-old forward just co-captained the London Knights to a Memorial Cup victory with an impressive 17-0 run through the playoffs and championship game. Dvorak scored 14 goals and contributed 21 assists in just 18 games.
He trailed only line mates Matthew Tkachuk and Mitch Marner in points for the postseason.
Dvorak’s 35-point effort in the playoffs is coupled with a 52 goal, 121 point regular season that was second most points in the Ontario Hockey League.
He gives up a few inches to Strome, but already has the frame to work with that will translate his game to the NHL.
While Dylan Strome will provide the Arizona Coyotes with the finesse, hands, and cleverness of a center like Nicklas Backstrom, Christian Dvorak adds a better developed two way game and an uncanny knack for being in the right spot to make the smart play or capitalize on an opportunity.
Some of the goals Dvorak scores are eerily reminiscent of Shane Doan, whether it be by luck or intention.
Arizona Coyotes director of player development Steve Sullivan notes in the video above that Dvorak has a tenacious nose for the net and the puck. You could see it on display throughout the 2015-16 season.
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He will have stiff competition to crack the Coyotes lineup this fall, however.
On top of Dylan Strome, there’s also the impending arrival of Brendan Perlini and Conor Garland. There’s also the likelihood of new general manager John Chayka adding pieces via free agency.
With Martin Hanzal, Antoine Vermette and Brad Richardson under contract for 2016-17 at center, that leaves just one spot at the position which will presumably be taken by Strome. That could mean that Dvorak starts the season with the Coyotes newly relocated AHL affiliate in Tucson despite his apparent readiness for NHL play.
It could also mean that head coach Dave Tippett will try the Illinois native out at wing and see if he sticks.
As much as it will be a treat to see Dvorak skating on home ice at Gila River Arena, I’d prefer the Arizona Coyotes keep him in position. Even if that means he has to do spend next year in Tucson.
Steve Sullivan talked about Christian Dvorak’s high hockey IQ and how he is a “true centerman”.
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I believe he is NHL ready.
Despite that, I hope the Coyotes continue developing that skillset and leadership – whether in Tucson or Glendale – instead of slotting him onto the wing of someone else prematurely.