Following a strong 65 point rookie season where he would finish third in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy, the Arizona Coyotes will be expecting a repeat performance from sophomore forward Clayton Keller as the Coyotes seek a strong season that could possibly help them return to the postseason for the first time since the 2011-12 season.
Along with a few new offensive weapons added during the offseason, the Coyotes will be looking at Keller to top or repeat his previous season’s performance, establishing himself as an up-and-coming forward for years to come in the National Hockey League (NHL) and playing a large role to putting the Arizona Coyotes back on track.
After playing one season under Rick Tocchet’s fast-paced coaching system, the Arizona Coyotes will be looking to make an impact next season. The jump that the Coyotes will look to accomplish can only be exampled by the significant jumps that the Colorado Avalanche and the New Jersey Devils made last season — as both teams made the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
According to the NHL website, it is projected that Keller will be on the top line as the right wing with Derek Stepan in the middle, and Richard Panik on the left wing. Taking a look at this line itself, it carries plenty of speed and skill that will be able to force opposing lines on their heels right from the opening faceoff.
The rest of the projected lineup for the Coyotes forwards is below;
Richard Panik — Derek Stepan — Clayton Keller
Brendan Perlini — Alex Galchenyuk — Vinnie Hinostroza
Michael Grabner — Christian Dvorak — Christian Fischer
Logan Crouse — Brad Richardson — Nick Cousins
With the fast-paced system more than likely looking to be further implemented into the team, Keller will be able to utilize his own speed and playmaking ability to set up Panik and Stepan, and vice versa. This will allow that top Coyotes line to be a dominant performer throughout the season, assuming they are able to stay healthy.
A large statement that Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka has made this offseason has been getting rid of players who are not speedy and skilled (Zac Rinaldo), and filling in those voids with players who fit that mold, such as Vinnie Hinostroza, Alex Galchenyuk, and Michael Grabner to try to fulfill scoring ability through all forward lines.
With some area to still improve, it will be interesting to see if Chayka still has a card to play during this offseason.
Only a matter of time will tell how the Coyotes will look with their revamped roster, but if one thing is for certain — success starts from the top line. If Keller is able to replicate his success from last season, the Coyotes will be a dangerous team to watch for the upcoming season.