Going into the 2023-24 season, Nick Schmaltz is a player that should continue to play a huge role for the Arizona Coyotes.
With all eyes on Clayton Keller as well as some of the Coyotes new additions including Matt Dumba, Sean Durzi and Jason Zucker, there is one player that is being overlooked heading into the 2023-24 season.
That player is Nick Schmaltz.
This past season, Schmaltz was statistically one of the Coyotes best players tallying a total 22 goals, 32 assists and 58 points.
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The 27-year-old has been crucial for Arizona slotting in on the first line alongside Keller and was tied for the most power play goals with six.
Over the past two years, Schmaltz has proven he is indeed a consistent goal scorer putting up over 20 goals in each of the past two seasons.
While the role of first line center is still up in the air, there should be no question that Schmaltz will continue to play on the first line on the wing with Keller.
Schmaltz’s presence helped Keller post a career high 37 goals, 49 assists and 86 points so their chemistry will certainly be a major factor in the Coyotes success this upcoming season.
Schmaltz could be the team’s biggest X factor this year. His role playing alongside Keller is really taken for granted but he has been and will continue to be one of the most important pieces in the Coyotes lineup.