Finishing the season with just 25 wins, the Arizona Coyotes turn their attention to an offseason that could be very critical for the future of the franchise.
With the ground work already happening, the fun of the offseason starts on July 7 with the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
This draft is set to be a big one for Arizona, having seven selections in the draft’s top 45 picks.
After an abundance of trades last offseason, the Coyotes have set themselves up to be major players in this years draft.
They will hear their name early on draft night, holding the No. 3 overall pick.
Here’s where the Coyotes will pick in the draft:
First round
– No. 3 overall
– No. 27 overall (from Carolina Hurricanes)
– No. 31 or No. 32 overall (from Colorado Avalanche)
The Coyotes are in prime position to get one of the top three prospects in this draft with the No. 3 overall pick. The Montreal Canadiens are projected to take center Shane Wright with the top pick. The New Jersey Devils are likely to choose between forwards Juraj Slafkovsky and Logan Cooley with the second pick, leaving the Coyotes with whoever is left of the top three prospects.
Arizona’s last selection in the first round is yet to be determined, with the Avalanche playing for the Stanley Cup Final.
Second round
– No. 34 overall
– No. 36 overall (from Philadelphia Flyers)
– No. 43 overall (from San Jose Sharks)
– No. 45 overall (from New York Islanders)
With four picks in the top half of the second round, the Coyotes could use these selections to move up and down the draft should they see fit.
This draft is projected to be deeper in years past, which could bode well for the Coyotes in trying to find some second round steals.
Rest of the way
– No. 66 overall, Round 3
– No. 130 overall, Round 5
– No. 162 overall, Round 6