When fans think about a young team in the NHL today, the Arizona Coyotes have to come to mind. The Coyotes have been rebuilding for years and as a result accumulated a ton of young players to carry the next generation of professional hockey in the desert. Going into the 2023-24 season, Arizona’s young core is looking stronger than ever and for the first time in a while generating a lot of excitement for a team that is trying to change its image around the league and culture in the locker room. Who are the Coyotes top players under 25-years-old that should be on the roster come opening night? 1. LOGAN COOLEY Logan Cooley talks about managing expectations following his first preseason goal. Logan Cooley was selected by the Coyotes with the third overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and after one year at the University of Minnesota, is set for his rookie season. The 19-year-old center has already been flashing off his all-star potential through training camp and preseason scoring jaw dropping goals in what seems like every game he has stepped on the ice. While he is just a rookie, Cooley should see ample opportunity to perform playing top-six forward minutes. He may go through some growing pains but expect gradual improvement as Cooley gets accustomed to NHL play and don’t count him out in the Calder Trophy race. 2. SEAN DURZI Sean Durzi speaks on adjusting to his new role with the Coyotes. Over the years, the Coyotes have built a strong forward group but depth on defense has been a gaping hole for this team. That's why general manager Bill Armstrong went out and traded for Sean Durzi from the Los Angeles Kings this summer. The 24-year-old is exactly what the Coyotes need. He is a mobile defenseman that can play many different roles on the ice. Durzi has already stepped up in a huge way as a top-four defenseman while anchoring the team’s power play. 3. DYLAN GUENTHER Dylan Guenther talks about his development going into the 2023-24 season with the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes drafted Dylan Guenther with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He played 33 games for the Coyotes last season but this year could be the one where Guenther makes a full-time leap into the NHL. Last season, Guenther was a point machine while playing in the WHL for the Seattle Thunderbirds tallying a total of 29 goals, 28 assists and 57 points in 39 games which includes the playoffs. The 20-year-old is currently playing alongside Cooley and veteran Jason Zucker on Arizona’s second line and has been on the first power play unit with Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, Barrett Hayton and Durzi. Guenther’s high offensive IQ is something that should not be overlooked. People may not know his name yet but they most likely will if his role continues to increase.
