Here are some Arizona Coyotes players to watch out for going into the 2023-24 season.
With some new faces and even more young talent, the Arizona Coyotes have a little bit of a different identity going into the 2023-24 season.
What should fans expect from an individual standpoint for the Coyotes this upcoming season?
Coyotes MVP: Clayton Keller
Clayton Keller is coming off a career year where he had 37 goals, 49 assists and 86 points really showing the world what he is capable of.
At 24-years-old, Keller is just entering his prime years and it's difficult to imagine anyone on the Coyotes who will match the young winger in points.
Keller will have all the opportunity to showcase his skills as he will most likely be playing on the first line and on the first wave of the power play.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Keller had another season recording over 80 points which is why he should be the teams most valuable player.
Coyotes Rookie of the Year: Logan Cooley
All eyes will be on Logan Cooley this season.
He was drafted with the third overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft by Arizona and most recently played for the University of Minnesota tallying 22 goals, 38 assists and 60 goals.
Cooley’s offensive abilities are on par with the top prospects in the NHL and his potential is off the charts.
Despite just entering his rookie campaign, the 19-year-old should carve out a role as a top-six forward helping him thrive right out the gate.
It will be the Cooley show at Mullett Arena as the young rising star looks to make a strong impression in his first year in the Valley.
Coyotes Norris Trophy: Sean Durzi
The Coyotes traded for defenceman Sean Durzi at the beginning of the offseason from the Los Angeles Kings.
During his second year in the NHL, the 24-year-old had a total of nine goals, 29 assists and 38 points, truly solidifying himself as a top-four defenceman on a team.
Under a player like Drew Doughty, it was difficult for Durzi to prove he is capable of being a No. 1 defenceman but in Arizona he will have that chance. Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong has already stated Durzi will play a huge role for the team specifically on the power play.
Durzi is still young and has some room to grow as a player but this could be the year where he transitions from a good to a great defenceman.
Coyotes Most Improved Player: Dylan Guenther
During his rookie campaign last year, Guenther just played 33 games where he had six goals, nine assists and 15 points.
Guenther was selected by the Coyotes with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 draft. Similar to Cooley, Guenther has a ton of potential to be a lethal forward in the NHL but he is yet to play a complete season.
With all of his experiences playing in the World Juniors and WHL, the 20-year-old should be ready to make a full-time jump into professional hockey and make major strides in his game.