Steve Sullivan is in his first season with the Coyotes as the team’s Development Coach. He oversees all pro player development including working with coaches and players in the Coyotes’ minor league system. Recently, Steve spoke with ArizonaCoyotes.com to discuss the progress of the team’s top prospects:

Sullivan

PROSPECT: Henrik Samuelsson

DRAFTED: 2012 (27th overall)

CURRENT TEAM: Portland Pirates (AHL)

SULLY SAYS:



"You see strengths of Henrik's father (Ulf) in him. He's not quite as nasty as his father was on the ice but you see his compete level."



"He is a very strong hockey player. His vision is very good and he sees the ice very well. He is tenacious, works hard and protects the puck very well."



"He's good along the half wall and on the power play and he's not afraid to get gritty in front of the net so I'd say from the hash marks down, he is NHL ready."

Photo by Norm Hall.

"The game of hockey has evolved to where it's very much a speed game. The teams that are successful play a very fast tempo, straight north and south. I think the only thing lacking in Henrik's game is his footwork. He needs more time skating this summer, breaking down that stride and rebuilding it."



"When he led the Memorial Cup in scoring, I believe it was all on skill. He's realizing that the AHL is a different league than what he expected and better than what he expected. It took him a while but over the past few weeks he's been a lot better."



"We are going to see Henrik in training camp next year. I think it is a big summer for Henrik, he is going to have a whole year of pro under his belt. This is where he will have to make a choice to take the next level and I think he is ready for it. I talked to him and he understands where he is at and what needs to get done and that we are looking forward to him in the future."