The Arizona Coyotes are loaded with talented young prospects including right winger Dylan Guenther who has the chance to accomplish big things in the NHL.
Dylan Guenther is one Coyotes prospect that really stands out.
The 20-year-old right winger was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He played with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League during the 2021-22 season where he had an impressive 45 goals, 46 assist and 91 points in 59 games.
At the start of this past season, Guenther embarked on his biggest challenge yet as he played a total of 33 games with the Coyotes tallying six goals, nine assists and 15 points. While he went through some challenges through those 33 games, he feels he ultimately became a better player because of it.
"It was good for me to go through some transitions and get that uncomfortability so when some adversity happens down the road, I'll be ready to handle it," Guenther said via NHL.com’s Alan Robinson. "NHL players are so smart. Everybody talks about the physical and speed aspect, which is huge and something I have to work on and get better at, but it's also the mental aspect, being sharp every day and ready to go."
Throughout last year, Guenther played in a number of big games. He scored the winning goal for Canada at the World Juniors clinching the gold medal and made it all the way to the Memorial Cup Final with the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Despite only being in the NHL for a handful of games, Coyotes coach André Tourigny has already seen enough of Guenther to infer he will be a critical piece for the organization for years to come.
"We have huge expectations for Dylan," Tourigny said via Robinson. "He will be a leader on the team, and a leader of our young generation. We believe he already has our DNA. We want him to be an example for the other guys, the way he conducts himself in the gym, the lunch room, the therapy room, in every meeting, on the ice."
Expect Guenther to have a real shot at making the Coyotes next season. He still has some time before he fully develops into the player he ultimately wants to become but watching his current growth right now is highly encouraging.
"You'll really see his game get to the next level [now]," Armstrong said via Robinson. "It's an exciting time for him. You're going to see a lot of growth in him. He's one of those kids that can win in the championships and he doesn't give up much. He's a pretty exciting kid."