Hockey the Hard Way? Nah, There is Reason for Hope!

Nick Schmaltz #8 of the Arizona Coyotes is one of the center pieces in the franchise rebuilding. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Nick Schmaltz #8 of the Arizona Coyotes is one of the center pieces in the franchise rebuilding. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
3 of 6
Jack McBain has one more season on his rookie contract (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Jack McBain has one more season on his rookie contract (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

4. Jack McBain is a Coyote

Originally drafted in the third round (63rd overall) of the 2018 entry draft by the Minnesota Wild, McBain elected to play out his college career at Boston College and became an elite power forward his senior year. At 6’3 and 210 lbs, McBain scored 19 goals, 14 assists, and 33 points in 24 games his final NCAA season.

This kid will be a massive part of the Coyotes rebuild. The Yotes acquired McBain for a second round pick in the 2022 entry draft. This trade is a steal for Arizona, and might raise the question “if he is so good, why would the Wild trade him?”

The answer is simple. McBain did not want to play for the Wild.

He was happy to sign his two year entry level contract and play for Arizona. This is a young, strong, scoring forward who the team can easily add pieces around and compete. Should the team lose players like Christian Fischer or Lawson Crouse this offseason, McBain could easily slide into one of their roles, but has a much higher ceiling. If the team keeps either or both players, look out. You could have a line comparable to the Minnesota Wild’s Foligno-Eriksson Ek-Greenway line. They will wear you out, and score ugly goals.

Jack McBain is and wants to be a Coyote.