Phoenix Coyotes 2013 Draft Review

[Parker]

After the unexpected departure of Phoenix head of scouting Cordell Lee, who retired to spend more time with his family, the Coyotes scouting department had been working around the clock under newly-promoted head scout Vic Bristow in order to prepare. Going into an EHEC Entry Draft considered quite deep but short on top-end talent, and with the Coyotes' lack of a 1st round pick (traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a package to acquire Erik Gudbranson) enthusiasm was curbed somewhat for Phoenix fans and analysts. With the conclusion of the draft, most agree however that the team was able to acquire some very interesting talent to bolster its already enviable stable of prospects and young players. Coyotes Tonight host Luke Lapinski was once again able to sit down with members of Phoenix's brain trust to discuss their thoughts on the players selected this year.


2nd round, 58th overall
LW/RW Tyler Hill, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Born: 1995-04-13 Hagersville, ON
Height: 6'6" Weight: 225lbs Shoots: L
Projection: a bigger, more physical Jared Staal but with a slower stride

After choosing a very projectable but relatively low-ceiling Tomas Hertl with the team's first choice in the 2012 Entry Draft, Phoenix made a 180° shift in early-round draft strategy with the choice of Tyler Hill. A giant, hard-working winger cutting his teeth in the USHL, Hill was a point of contention among draft analysts, as some see him developing into a hard-hitting two-way forward in the mold of Jared Staal, while others lament his limited offensive game and doubt his mediocre skating will play in today's fast-paced EHEC. If Hill reaches his true potential, he will be a fearsome sight: a 6'6" behemoth with almost unlimited ability to punish opposing players with his size and strength, and while he'll likely never compete in the Fastest Skater skills competition, Phoenix is confident that with the right training and coaching, Hill could one day become a dark horse contender for the Selke Trophy.

"He's a giant, and he's not even finished growing. His physical game is the stuff of legend around the USHL, and I've never seen a player work harder to get the most out of his natural skillset. We look at him and we see a guy with the size and strength to be an unstoppable physical force on the ice, which will open up holes for his linemates as well as putting an enormous strain on opposing defenders. While he's got some work to do to become a complete player, with the depth we have in our system we were willing to take a chance on a guy who jumped out at us as a premium defensive forward who always finishes his checks." - Glen Ramsden, Coyotes GM


3rd round, 61st overall
D Alexandre Coulombe, Stanstead College (MPHL)
Born: 1995-04-09 Granby, QC
Height: 6'4" Weight: 190lbs Shoots: L
Projection: a poor man's Kyle Quincey, but tougher and a better skater

With Toronto's 3rd round pick (acquired in the Sergei Gonchar trade) Phoenix chose another big physical player, this time selecting defenseman Alex Coulombe, who hopes to be the first blueliner hailing from Granby, QC to skate in the NHL. A strong, scrappy defender with surprising offensive ability and foot speed for a player some scouts considered to be little more than a goon, Coloumbe shows a lot of promise as a physical defenseman in the mold of current Coyotes mainstay Kyle Quincey. While occasionally criticized for undisciplined play, throwing dirty hits, and taking a shift off once in a while, Coulombe nevertheless brings a considerable measure of toughness and grit to an organization that prides itself on physical play.

"He's big, strong, tough, and he hits to hurt. He'll drop the gloves against anyone, and he usually comes out on top. The interesting thing about Alexandre though is his outstanding speed and agility, as well as his considerable talent moving the puck and setting up scoring plays. If he can keep his temper under control and work on his positioning a little, he could even see some action on the power play." - Stephen Wood, Coyotes scout


3rd round, 88th overall
D Viktor Baldayev, Mytischi Atlanti (MHL)
Born: 1995-06-14 Elektrostal, RUS
Height: 6'2" Weight: 196lbs Shoots: L
Projection: a tougher, faster-skating Alex Grant

Baldayev, another physical defender with toughness and grit to spare, drew considerable interest from Vlad Brabeuecs while scouting the MHL. Baldayev is thought of as one of the strongest skaters in the draft, and he doesn't have any particular weaknesses to his game other than being occasionally prone to bad penalties. It was noted that Baldaev's pure checking ability was graded below-average as he has been able to get by on his superlative skating and solid positioning, but Phoenix is confident that with proper training and coaching he can overcome this deficiency.

"Very strong skater. Hits hard. Willing to fight. Good conditioning, good defensive awareness. Could be better if he works harder. No big weaknesses in game. Good solid kid with big potential." - Vladimir Brabeuecs, Coyotes scout


4th round, 118th overall
D Keaton Thompson, U.S. National U18 Team (USDP)
Born: 1995-09-14 Devils Lake, MN
Height: 6'1" Weight: 187lbs Shoots: L
Projection: a poor man's Duncan Keith

With their fourth round pick, Phoenix selected yet another blueliner; this time U.S. National Team product Keaton Thompson. Thompson's hallmark is a solid all-around game with no real weaknesses, but no particular outstanding strengths other than his tireless conditioning and endurance. His versatility and workhorse nature should go a long way in ensuring that he sees regular EHEC action.

"I've never seen anyone skate so hard for so long. He's a mature kid who takes his training very seriously and makes the most of his abilities. He's the kind of player who'll create opportunities for himself." - Jaroslav Hlinka, Coyotes scout


5th round, 132nd overall
LW Greg Betzgold, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Born: 1995-03-11 Bel Air, MD
Height: 6'2" Weight: 184lbs Shoots: L
Projection: a more offensively-talented Cal Clutterbuck with better conditioning

Acquired by trading pending free agent François Beauchemin to division rival San Jose, Phoenix used Nashville's 5th round pick to select Peterborough winger Greg Betzgold. Another outstanding physical specimen with tireless endurance, Betzgold throws punishing hits but keeps his game clean. Projected as a very solid depth player who can also make some offensive contributions, Betzgold needs to work on his positioning to become a true two-way player.

"He could skate forever. He's as fresh out there at the end of practice as he is at the beginning. He shows some talent for setting up in the offensive zone, and he's got one of those sneaky wrist shots that just seems to fool opposing goalies. A real nice guy, to boot. Good versatility; he could become a pretty solid all-around forward if his positional awareness develops." - Vic Bristow, Coyotes head scout


5th round, 148th overall
C Nick Hutchison, Avon Old Farms (USHS)
Born: 1995-07-27 Hicksville, NY
Height: 6'2" Weight: 180lbs Shoots: Left
Projection: a poor man's Kyle Beach, but tougher

A product of the renowned Avon Old Farms hockey program, Hutchison is as tough as they come; a fierce fighter who throws punishing hits. While not the strongest skater, he shows some talent as a playmaker and has outstanding ability in the faceoff circle.

"This kid is so intense; he reminds me of a young Dale Hunter. Hutch is a tough, mean natural centre with outstanding faceoff skills and surprising playmaking ability. He needs to work on his skating and conditioning to become a complete player." - Vic Bristow, Coyotes head scout


6th round, 178th overall
C/LW Luca Hischier, Bern U18 (Elite Jr. A)
Born: 1995-02-16 Brig, SUI
Height: 6'1" Weight: 189lbs Shoots: L
Projection: a poor man's Brian Boyle with stronger skating but less toughness

Swiss prospect Luca Hischier shows a lot of promise, but questions about his commitment and work ethic caused his stock to drop sharply. With no other real weaknesses in his game, he also possesses a strong and accurate wrist shot, great foot speed and balance, and outstanding faceoff ability.

"Luca has a lot of potential, but he also brings a somewhat deserved reputation for dogging it. Good shooter, good hitter, no real weaknesses other than questions about his makeup. Assistant coaches Dale Hawerchuk and Shawn Cronin have agreed to work closely with him to ensure that he maintains his focus." - Vic Bristow, Coyotes head scout


7th round, 208 overall
C/RW Ryan Fitzgerald, U.S. National U18 Team (USDP)
Born: 1994-10-19 Boca Raton, FL
Height: 5'10" Weight: 176lbs Shoots: L
Projection: a poor man's Mikkel Boedker

Son of NHLer Tom Fitzgerald and cousin of former Coyote captain Keith Tkachuk, Ryan Fitzgerald shoots the puck well and plays solid two-way hockey. His outstanding skating ability somewhat makes up for his small size and lack of a physical game. The USNDP product should provide solid depth, but is unlikely to develop into an elite talent.

"Great skater, good shot, doesn't get caught out of position. Not very tough, has trouble finishing his checks, sometimes takes bad penalties. Popular teammate and good in the dressing room though." - Vladimir Brabeuecs, Coyotes scout