Here is a look at all seven prospects that the Coyotes are sending to participate in the 2024 World Junior Championship.
The Arizona Coyotes will be sending seven players to the 2024 World Junior Championship which officially stars on Tuesday.
Here is a look at all of the seven prospects that will be participating in the tournament this year.
Conor Geekie: Canada
Conor Geekie is arguably the Coyotes most exciting young talent playing in at the World Juniors this year.
The 19-year-old forward was drafted with the 11th pick in the 2022 NHL Draft by Arizona and is currently playing for the Wenatchee Wild of the WHL where he has 20 goals, 29 assists and 49 points in 26 games.
“He’s got impressive hands and body control for his size, which helps him control pucks inside the offensive zone and make plays while also getting the upper hand in board battles,” Scott Wheeler of The Athletic said about Geekie.
Maveric Lamoureux: Canada
Maveric Lamoureux was selected by the Coyotes with the 29th pick in the 2022 draft and is one of the team’s most highly touted defensive prospects.
His large 6’7’’ frame is what makes his physical attributes so appealing. The 19-year-old plays in the QMJHL for the Drummondville Voltigeurs. He has played 25 games this season tallying seven goals, 20 assists and 27 points.
“Lamoureux is a huge right-shot defenseman who plays hard,” Corey Pronman said about Lamoureux. “With his massive frame, he can make a lot of stops with his reach, mobility and physicality.”
Michael Hrabal: Czechia
Potentially the most intriguing goalie prospect in 2023 had to be Michael Hrabal who the Coyotes selected in the second round.
The 18-year-old, 6’6’’ goalie has the potential to be a franchise caliber netminder in the NHL if he reaches his full potential.
He currently plays at Umass Amherst where he has posted a 7-3-1 record, 2.67 goals against average and .905 save percentage.
"He is efficient in his movements but can make the tough saves across his crease when he needs to. His puck-tracking isn't perfect, but generally I've liked his reads and ability to stay with the play. He has the best chance to be a starter in this class," Pronman said about Hrabal compared to other goalies in his draft class.
Melker Thelin: Sweden
The Coyotes selected Melker Thelin in the fifth round of the 2023 draft, being one of three goaltenders picked by the team.
The 18-year-old has a 2.77 goals against average, .913 save percentage for IF Björklöven in Sweden.
Adam Zlnka: Slovakia
Adam Zlnka was selected by Arizona in the seventh round of the 2022 draft.
After playing a number of years for Slovakian teams, the 19-year-old forward is now in the USHL, playing for the Waterloo Black Hawks. He’s played 18 games this season, tallying five goals three assists and eight points.
“He can skate, he can shoot, he can move the puck well, and he has good vision,” Waterloo head coach Matt Smaby said. “I think with some players a fresh start and a change of scenery can be a healthy thing, and he’s got an opportunity here. So we’re excited for him.”
Julian Lutz: Germany
Julian Lutz was selected by the Coyotes in the second round of the 2022 draft.
The 19-year-old forward has an impressive 6’3’’ frame. Lutz plays for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL where he currently has 10 goals, 13 assists and 23 points in 19 games.
“Versatile, energetic two-way forward with some pace and puck skills,” per Dobber Prospects on Lutz’s game. “Honest worker who always plays with a good motor.”
Samu Bau: Finland
Samu Bau was recently picked by the Coyotes in the sixth round of the 2023 draft.
The 19-year-old is a unique kind of center as he stands at 6’5’’ which is an attribute that general manager Bill Armstrong has been continuously searching for.
He currently plays in Liiga, posting one goal in 30 games.