The Arizona Coyotes have been struggling thus far this season. They have failed to capture a win through their first two games and although that does not mean they are out of it, they have only scored 1 goal on a slew of shots towards the net.
The Arizona Coyotes are doing a lot of things right so far this season. They are shooting the puck, getting it in deep, playing great defense, and have had solid goaltending to back them up. The only issue they have faced is putting pucks in the net.
I know what you are thinking. “The Coyotes have faced off against two really hot goaltenders” Yes that is true. John Gibson made 32 saves on 33 shots for the Ducks, and Jaroslav Halak registered a shut out against the Coyotes. Halak faced 35 shots, but stopped them all.
Something just is not right for the Coyotes, and honestly they might want to consider shaking up their lines. Moving into a game against a tough division opponent on Thursday might require a spark like a line change.
The Arizona Coyotes might want to start a new fresh face for the team, like young prospect Barrett Hayton. Barrett Hayton was drafted 5th overall in 2018. The young 19-year-old center has never played in the NHL, but that is most likely going to change, especially considering who he has practiced with this week with the Coyotes.
Practicing on a line with Christian Dvorak and Nick Schmaltz again. This line got pieced together yesterday at practice 👍🏽 https://t.co/8sJ1OmrvoE
— Catherine Silverman (@catmsilverman) October 7, 2019
A line of Dvorak, Schmaltz, and Hayton would feature 3 potential centerman in the franchise and only make them more competitive. Obviously all 3 of these players could play center, but putting them together makes their entire line more of a threat. Knowing the responsibilities of a center, and being able to play that way defensively as a unit would make the Dvorak/Schmaltz/Hayton line that much more competitive. Schmaltz has needed someone to help push him along as a top NHL player, maybe Hayton can offer that for him.
Hayton also has a lot of stock around the NHL, he was ranked number 34 in all NHL prospects a year ago.
The entire Coyotes team seems excited to add Hayton to the mix this season. Rick Tocchet had this to say about Hayton (via Arizona Sports)
"“He supports the puck and he’s got a hell of a shot. He comes up with loose pucks. Those are kind of the characteristics of a power play guy. Something that we really need.”"
The Arizona Coyotes are in desperate need of revamping their power play, maybe Hayton is the right guy for the job.
Barrett Hayton is only 19 years old, but that does not mean he is not ready to step into the NHL. Hayton is allowed a 9 game “tryout” with the Coyotes before the team must decide whether to keep him in Arizona or let him return to the OHL.
If Hayton plays more than 9 games with the team one year of his pro contract will be used up. There are a lot of intangibles to consider when looking at Hayton making the Coyotes team. He survived training camp and is here. Plus with players like Crouse falling to injury Hayton has an opportunity to make a difference.