The play of Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther and Josh Doan is providing a sense of excitement that the Coyotes have not experienced in what seems like forever.
You could say that the Arizona Coyotes have been playing useless hockey recently since they have no chance to make the playoffs, but forwards Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther and Josh Doan have brought some excitement to the fanbase.
During a long rebuild it’s easy to simply dream about what the future will look like. All of the team’s prospects are developing elsewhere with it being years before they actually play in the NHL.
Coyotes’ fans are starting to finally get a glimpse of what things may look like in the future after years of patiently waiting.
Cooley was drafted with the third overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and is arguably Arizona’s most hyped up young prospect.
The 19-year-old center came into his rookie campaign this season with a lot of expectations. Despite going through some growing pains early on, Cooley has hit his stride recently and is playing some phenomenal hockey.
In 74 games, Cooley has 17 goals, 22 assists and 39 points. It’s evident that his confidence is continuing to grow and he’s actually tallied seven points over the course of the past five games.
Guenther was selected with the ninth pick in 2021.
The 20-year-old was called up back in January in what supposed to be a short-term stint, but ultimately earned a permanent roster spot.
He’s been outstanding as in his 37 games this season, Guenther has 12 goals, 12 assists and 24 points.
Guenther is truly starting to establish himself. He possesses a wicked shot, blazing speed and a high hockey IQ, which makes him an effective two-way forward.
Being that Shane Doan served as captain of the Coyotes from 2003-2017, there has been a lot of pressure on Josh throughout his whole life to just live up to his father’s name.
He was drafted by the Coyotes in the second round back in 2021, and has exceeded expectations everywhere he’s played including in both the NCAA and most recently the AHL.
The 22-year-old made his NHL debut on Tuesday. His impact was immediate, scoring two goals in what was a historic and exciting night for the organization.
Josh already has five points in his first three NHL games. He uses his big frame to create offensive opportunities for himself and seems to be transitioning well to the professional atmosphere.
The play of these three young players has really created a sense of optimism and hope for Coyotes’ fans.
All of the losing and waiting is not over just yet, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and it’s finally starting to show.