The 2017 NHL Draft has come and gone with teams stock piling future talent that could potentially end up playing in the NHL. This year’s draft was considered to be somewhat weak as the number of elite prospects was few and far between. Therefore, difficult decisions had to be made for all 31 teams. Here are the prospects drafted by the Arizona Coyotes and a brief synopsis of their talent:
Round 1, Pick 23: Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Defenseman, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL):
Pierre-Olivier Joseph is a two-way defenseman. His hockey IQ has grown as he matured and he is very aggressive. Joseph is very smart and has the mobility to get up ice quickly. He is also a quarterback for his team’s power play. Scouts say he has to mature for a few years before he is ready for the NHL. This season he had 6 goals and 33 assists in 62 games with +/- rating of 14.
Round 2, Pick 44: Filip Westerlund, Defenseman, Frolunda HC (SHL):
Filip Westerlund has the potential to be a top four defenseman in the NHL but he needs to work on getting stronger to play a more physical game. He is noted to have great speed and transitions well on the ice. He has good hands and will battle in the corners and in front of the net. In 33 games this year he had 0 goals and 44 assists with +/- rating of 3.
Round 3, Pick 69: MacKenzie Entwistle, Right Winger, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL):
MacKenzie Entwistleis a 6’3 power forward. He will need time to develop before he reaches the NHL level as he is still learning in the OHL. He uses his size to his advantage and continues to grow his hockey IQ. As a power forward, he has the ability to hold off defenders as he drives to the net. He is also a penalty killer for the Bulldogs and possesses solid defensive skills. In 54 games he had 12 goals and 13 assists.
Round 3, Pick 75: Nate Schnarr, Center, Guelph Storm (OHL):
Nate Schnarr is a right handed sniper with a quick wrist shot. He has average speed and hands. He has no problems interrupting passing lanes or blocking shots but he will need time to improve his game. In 54 games he had 18 goals and 18 assists.
Round 3, Pick 82: Cameron Crotty, Defenseman, Brockville Braves (CJHL):
Cameron Crotty is a 6’2 defenseman that was considered a sleeper pick. He is a mobile defenseman who plays both ends of the game well. He has a quick, accurate shot from the point which could make him a future quarterback for the power play. Playing a solid defense, he takes away ice from opponents. He has committed to Boston University and will play there in the fall. In 41 games he had 4 goals and 9 assists.
Round 4, Pick 108: Noel Hoefenmayer, Defenseman, Ottawa 67’s (OHL):
Noel Hoefenmayer plays a complete two-way game. He reads the ice well and knows the correct times to jump in on the rush. He will get physical with players carrying the puck, break up passing lanes and eliminate scoring chances. His positional control could use some work when he is in his own end. In 62 games he had 14 goals and 26 assists with +/- rating of -13.
Round 5, Pick 126: Michael Karow, Defenseman, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL):
Michael Karow is a defensive defenseman that is also considered a sleeper pick. He is 6’2 and plays a physical game. He is not afraid to play aggressive and will knock puck carriers off the puck. He has committed to Boston College and will begin playing there in the fall. In 58 games he had 4 goals and 17 assists with +/- rating of 9.
Round 5, Pick 128: Tyler Steenbergen, Left Winger, Swift Current Broncos (WHL):
Tyler Steenbergen is fast and speedy player who has a quick release with his shots. He is a threat on the rush and will outwork defenders. He was one of the few snipers in this draft class and finished ninth in the WHL in most points. In 72 games he had 51 goals and 39 assists for 90 points.
Round 7, Pick 190: Erik Walli Waterholm, Right Winger, Djurgarden (SHL):
Erik Walli Waterholm ended this season with the Djurgarden IF J20 team which he will be a member of next season. He had 1 goal in 11 games with the club.
Draft Grade: B+
General Manager John Chayka had himself another great draft year. The Coyotes stacked the draft with defensive prospects this year to complement offense prospects Lawson Crouse, Anthony Duclair, and Branden Perlini who are making strides in the NHL. None of these rookies are ready to make the jump to the NHL but with time they could develop to have a bright future with the Coyotes.
