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Arizona Coyotes: Predicting 2016-17 Lineup (Defensemen)

By Andrew Walters

Feb 15, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) shoots and scores a goal in the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) shoots and scores a goal in the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Coyotes
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Jakob Chychrun poses for a photo after being selected as the number sixteen overall draft pick by the Arizona Coyotes in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Jakob Chychrun and Luke Schenn

What a difference a few months can make.

After watching his stock plummet at the draft in June, 18 year-old Jakob Chychrun is making other teams regret passing on him.

His skill and speed have been on display throughout the preseason, and he has played consistently in every situation.

In his way for the final left defensive spot are Klas Dahlbeck and Kevin Connauton, who are ahead of the youngster in terms of NHL experience. However, Chychrun’s style of play and the maturity of his game make him a real dark horse to win the spot.

Jakob may also benefit from the fact that Connauton is currently injured.

Arizona Coyotes
Mar 22, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Luke Schenn (52) between the Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Kings 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Luke Schenn was a savvy addition by John Chayka.

A former 5th overall pick by the Maple Leafs, Schenn never lived up to the high expectations placed upon him. However, Arizona is the perfect place for him to regain some confidence in his game without outside pressure.

While not a huge offensive threat, he could flourish in a third-pairing shut down role, especially if he plays with a speedy puck-mover like Chychrun.

Additionally, he brings some much-needed physicality to the team; only one player (Brooks Orpik) has more hits than Luke Schenn since he broke into the league.

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