Who are some potential prospects the Arizona Coyotes could target with their two first round picks in the 2023 NHL Draft?
The NHL Draft is almost upon us.
This upcoming draft starting on June 28 will be especially important for the Arizona Coyotes who have the sixth and 12th overall picks in the first round.
The Coyotes are in the midst of a rebuild and have accumulated some premier young talent over the years including Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther. They have a chance this year to add to that pool of players but it's critical that Arizona picks the right guys that could ultimately be a pillar for the franchise for years to come.
Who are some potential prospects that the Coyotes could target with their first round picks?
Matvei Michkov, RW:
Aside from Connor Bedard, Matvei Michkov could arguably be the most explosive prospect in the draft.
Michkov is only 18-years-old but is already playing in the KHL. In 27 games for HK Sochi of the KHL this past season, Michkov tallied nine goals and 11 assists.
It's his explosive shot and playmaking skills with the puck that make Michkov a threat to generate chances from anywhere on the ice.
“It has been challenging to get the scouting evaluations with Russian players," NHL Central Scouting vice president Dan Marr said. “If you're strictly evaluating the on-ice play, then Michkov is one of the elite players in this draft class. He has the potential to be in the conversation as of one of the elite players of this decade, same as Connor Bedard.
“If you factor in a healthy and stronger player, Michkov will be able influence games and have a similar impact on the scoreboard as Bedard. They both have their own unique styles of attack when they have the puck, they are offensive threats and they're both exciting players to watch.”
The constant issue that comes up with Michkov is that he is under contract with the KHL until 2026, meaning he won’t be able to play in the NHL for at least another three seasons. This is why despite Michkov’s tremendous talent, he may very well slip out of the top-five and into the Coyotes hands.
It's up to Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong to decide if he is willing to take a risk on Michkov and wait until he is eligible to play in the NHL.
David Reinbacher, RHD:
The Coyotes are in dire need of some defensive prospects which is why David Reinbacher would be a perfect selection.
Reinbacher played in the Swiss National League this past season scoring three goals to go along with 19 assists and 22 points.
If the Coyotes are looking for a steady defenseman, Reinbacher is that guy. At 6 '2'’ and 187-pounds, Reinbacher has a good frame.
“He’s a mobile, 6-foot-2 right-shot defenseman who can contribute at both ends,” The Athletic’s Corey Pronman said. “Reinbacher’s gap control is strong, killing a lot of plays due to his feet and reach even if he’s not overly physical.”
Reinbacher has the potential to be a great two-way player as he possesses a high hockey IQ on both the offensive and defensive ends of the ice.
If Armstrong really wants to take a defenseman with the sixth overall pick Reinbacher should be available but he also still may be on the board for the Coyotes at 12th overall.
Axel Sandin Pellikka, RHD:
Another defenseman the Coyotes could take a look at most likely with their 12th overall pick is Swedish born Axel Sandin Pellikka.
During his 31 games in the J20 Nationell Swedish Junior League this past season, Sandin Pellikka recorded 16 goals, 20 assists and 36 points putting his impressive offensive prowess on display.
Sandin Pellikka is an outstanding skater and puck handler so he has the potential to be a great fit on any team's power play. To be a truly special defenseman in today's NHL, players need to be excellent skaters. Out of all the defensive prospects in the draft, Sandin Pellikka is arguably the most explosive skater there is.
“Sandin Pellikka’s skating is a thing of beauty. His stride is technically sound. His straight-line speed is excellent. When it comes to his first few steps, or acceleration, he is explosive,” NHL scout Kyle Pereira said. “As for his edges, he generates a lot of speed through his crossovers, can stop on a dime, and transitions from forwards to backwards skating near-flawlessly. His four-way mobility is evident and at a high level.”