With the 2022 NHL Draft Lottery set for Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., the Arizona Coyotes enter with the second-best odds at claiming the No. 1 pick.
At 13.5%, the Coyotes are only behind the Montreal Canadiens who have an 18.5% chance at the top pick.
Changed in 2021, the draft lottery only consists of two draws, one to decide the No. 1 pick and one for the No. 2 pick.
After the top two picks are determined, the remaining draft selections will go based on team records.
That means the Coyotes will pick no later than No. 4 in the 2022 NHL Draft on July 7. Arizona would pick fourth if a team other than themselves or the Canadiens win both draws.
Should the Canadiens secure a top two selection, the Coyotes would pick no later than No. 3.
With the Coyotes guaranteed a top four pick, it puts them in prime position to add a top prospect from the 2022 draft class, on top of having two selections later in the first round.
Here’s some of NHL.com’s top prospects:
Shane Wright, Center, Canada
6-foot, 191 pounds
Whoever wins the lottery and secures the top pick will be getting a player who projects to be a star in the league for years to come in Shane Wright.
Wright has been the consensus top pick for some time and backed it up with a stellar 2021-22 season with Kingston in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
With a right-handed shot, Wright possesses elite playmaking ability highlighted by his passing, as well as being able to score the puck.
In 63 games with Kingston, Wright was nearly at an assist per game pace with 62 on the season. Add his 32 goals to the equation and Wright finished the year with 94 points (1.49 per game).
Wright made an impact with the Canadian National Team as well, scoring nine goals in five games at the 2021 IIHF U-18 World Championship.
Logan Cooley, Center, United States
5-foot-10, 174 pounds
A member of U.S. National Team Developmental Program, Logan Cooley is another playmaking center who could be the next prize in the draft after Wright.
In 51 games for Team USA U-18, Cooley tallied 75 points highlighted by 27 goals. The forward also carries a physical presence, registered 67 minutes in the penalty box.
Cooley is regarded as an offensive-savvy player who carries skills that should translate to the next level, something the Coyotes could be interested if they don’t land the top pick.
Juraj Slafkosky, Left Wing, Slovakia
6-foot-4, 218 pounds
A strong forward still filling into his frame, Juraj Slafkovsky shot up draft boards after being named tournament MVP at the 2022 Olympics, scoring seven goals in as many games for Team Slovakia.
Aside from his breakout Olympics, Slafkovsky has had a relatively quiet professional career scoring just five goals in 31 games for TPS in Finland.
From his seven goals for Slovakia, the winger displays an elite shot and can be a presence in front of the net.
Simon Nemec, Defenseman, Slovakia
6-foot, 190 pounds
The top defensive prospect in the draft, Simon Nemec is a two-way defenseman who had 25 assists playing for Nitra in the Slovakia Extraliga.
Nemec was also a member of Team Slovakia at the 2022 Olympics, where he had one assist in seven games.
While the top prospect in the draft may be forwards, Nemec gives the Coyotes a solid option should they look to solidify the blue line.
David Jiricek, Defenseman, Czech Republic
6-foot-3, 189 pounds
The second-ranked defenseman, Jiricek is a righty who carries a heavy slap shot and possesses good playmaking ability on the back end.
Jiricek is also a physical defender who uses his size to his advantage.
He did suffer a knee injury earlier in 2022 that could play a role in where Jiricek lands.
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