Arizona Coyotes Have The #27 Pick In The NHL Entry Draft… Here’s Some Options

When the Arizona Coyotes traded away Antione Vermette to the Chicago Blackhawks, not only did they get D-man Klas Dahlbeck — they also received Chicago’s first round pick in the year’s NHL Entry Draft. That pick turns out to be #27 (it could have been as low as #24 had Chicago not moved on to the Western Conference Finals).

With the Arizona Coyotes probably choosing between Noah Hanifin, Dylan Strome, or even Mitch Marner at #3, it may have been overlooked that the #27 pick could provide them with a player of caliber. More from Coyotes News Arizona Coyotes Provided Wild Ride for Fans

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Arizona Coyotes an integral part of Metro Phoenix Community Jake Debrusk of the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL.

If the name Debrusk sounds familiar, it should since his father Louie Debrusk played for the Phoenix Coyotes for three seasons from ’98-’01. He wasn’t much of a scorer as a left-wing, and had only seven points in 115 games. He was more of a tough guy, accumulating 191 PIM while with the team.

The younger Debrusk is a left-wing also, and turned in some head turning stats this past season. He had 42 goals, 39 assists in 72 games. He has been termed as “fearless, with a nose for the net,” said one scout. “Really good hockey sense.” He is a two-way winger, just the kind of player who fits into Head Coach Dave Tippet’s system. Also in his favor would be the nepotism factor where the Arizona Coyotes have been selecting young players whose fathers played for the team. Tie Domi/Max Domi, Ulf Samuelsson/Henrik and Philip, Al MacInnis/Ryan.

Joel Eriksson Ek is also described as a two-way center who had 2 goals, 4 assists in 34 games last season. He played with the Swedish team at the under-18 junior worlds, but his team was a big disappointment. He did his part by scoring five goals and six points in the six games the Swedes participated in the tournament. One scout evaluated that “the one thing he’s lacking right now is strength, and leg strength. He has good hands, good offensive instincts and a good touch around the net.”

Now if the Coyotes go with Marner or Strome (my personal choice), I can see them looking for a defenseman. Jeremy Roy of Sherbrooke of the QMJHL is a good two-way defender who can quarterback the power play, and is a right-hand shot. One scout described him as “having really good hockey sense who moves the puck well.” But at just 6-0, 183 he lacks the size, but good skill and hockey sense can make up for his physical shortcomings. He just may not be there when the Coyotes’ name is called at 27.

At any rate, the Coyotes should receive a player of value, and along with the third overall selection they look to upgrade the talent level of the team in accordance to GM Don Maloney’s goal to get this team back into the playoffs, and eventually a Stanley Cup.