Six-foot-7 defenseman Maveric Lamoureux, picked 29th overall in the 2022 NHL draft, brings a rare blend of size, skill and finesse to the Arizona Coyotes organization.

The last decade has not been nice to the Arizona Coyotes, as they’ve made the playoffs just once since 2012. To add salt to the wound, the sole playoff appearance didn’t last very long, either, as they were ousted in the first round of the 2020 playoff bubble by the Colorado Avalanche in just five games.

The tide appears to be turning, though, as they are in the midst of an exciting playoff race to go along with one of the best prospect pools in the NHL filled with a bunch of high-end talent.

Enter defenseman Maveric Lamoureux. The native of Laval, Que., looks to be one of the Coyotes’ most promising prospects on the back end.

When one gets the chance to watch Lamoureux – who was taken in the first round (29th overall) of the 2022 NHL draft – the first thing that jumps out is his frame. Standing at a towering 6-foot-7, Lamoureux certainly has the reach advantage over his opponents, and he knows how to use it to his benefit – given that it’s all he’s ever known.

“I was always taller than everyone,” Lamoureux said. “My mom’s really tall, my grandmother’s really tall, everyone is tall.”

Selected by the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the first round (12th overall) of the 2020 QMJHL draft, Lamoureux has risen steadily since joining the league. He has improved his offensive output year after year, going from seven points in 24 games as a rookie in 2020-21 to averaging a point per game on a powerful Volts team this season.

“It’s been something special,” said Lamoureux of his experience playing in the QMJHL. “I’m lucky enough to spend the four years of my juniors in Drummondville with the same team. We finally have a really good team this year, too, so that’s just a little bonus for me here.”

Lamoureux brings a rare mix of size, skill and finesse to his game, moving the puck with ease while using his awareness to make an impact in the offensive zone. Similar in stature and playing style, Lamoureux pointed to Victor Hedman as someone he watches a lot.

“I’ve always loved Victor Hedman and watching him play,” he said. “I’ve always loved (watching) Tampa Bay.”

With Lamoureux more than likely still a few years away from being a full-time NHL player, that hasn’t deterred him from trying to get better every day. He has stayed busy on and off the ice, including checking in regularly with Coyotes defensive development coach Kurtis Foster about his game.

“I have a lot of contact with Kurtis Foster,” Lamoureux said. “He’s coming maybe three or four times a year here in Drummondville, just practising and watching my games. I’m doing video with him and then I’m texting with him every few weeks. So, I’m in a lot of contact with him and the organization.”

While Coyotes fans may not get the chance to see many of the team’s prospects, they had the chance to do so at this year’s World Junior Championship. Arizona tied for the NHL lead with seven prospects representing the organization at the world juniors, and one of those players who suited up in Sweden was Lamoureux, who played an important role for Canada.

“That was definitely something special, that was a dream coming true,” said Lamoureux of suiting up for his country. “I had the chance to have a really good tournament there, which was amazing for experience, too. Having the tournament in Sweden, going overseas and playing against all those guys was something special.”

Lamoureux showcased a bit of everything at the 2024 world juniors. He remains calm and composed in all situations, and whether it’s defending a lead or moving the puck in the offensive zone, Lamoureux rarely makes a bad decision with the puck. He uses his size effectively to defend the rush, using his stick to keep opponents to the outside and closing them off into the boards with his big frame. He activates into open space and recognizes when it’s the right time to do so.

Not knowing when you’ll get to live out your NHL dream may be tough, but Lamoureux can rest assured he is certainly in the Coyotes’ future plans. If he can become even a bit of what Hedman has been for the Lightning for more than a decade, the Coyotes will look like thieves when it comes time to look back on the 2022 NHL draft.