The Coyotes had one main theory going into this draft and that was to take the fastest, tallest, most physical players available on the board when their time on the clock came. Every player the Coyotes draft was taller then 6’0” and was, with the exception of two players, born in North America. The Coyotes plan going into the first day was to restock the organization with prospects and to acquire some depth with their five picks in the first 80 overall. As for every team the goal in the second day is to go out and find that one sleeper in the later rounds that might be able to make the team in the future. The Coyotes think they might have found that sleeper in John Zeiler. Enough of my ramblings now lets get to the Coyotes draft picks.
#19 (Round 1) Jakub Koreis – Forward – Plzen, Czech Republic
ze:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black”>Big, hardworking playmaker Jakub Koreis was one of the best players among international competition since he entered the Under-16 team. Last season he was tied for second with Kamil Kreps among goalscorers for the Under-17 team. Jakub lit the lamp seven times.
Jakub won’t probably ever be a huge goalscoring threat but a top-notch playmaker who can fight along the boards and in front of the net where he looks for rebounds. Jakub also helps the defense a lot and is willing to take a hit or make a hit. Jakub needs to refine his scoring touch a bit and be more mature, else he has only very few weaknesses. Definitely worth a second or third round pick.
Jakub Koreis is a solid 2-way centre that played in the Czech Junior leagues last season. Koreis is strong with the puck and is an excellent skater. He won’t score many goals but will still be considered dangerous because of his strong skating, solid stick handling and excellent passing. Koreis has excellent vision of the ice and rarely makes a mistake with the puck. He is a defensively responsible player who often helps his team with his strong back checking.
Projected Like: Bobby Holik
Chance in the NHL: 9/10
|
Team |
Year |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
|
Plzen, Czech Jr |
2001-2002 |
20 |
12 |
13 |
25 |
36 |
#23 (Round 1) Ben Eager – Forward – Oshawa, OHL
A big and skilled forward with above-average offensive upside. He plays with a lot of spunk; Eager likes to bang, work in traffic and go to the net with authority. Ben has a hard shot to compliment his drive…
Size will be an advantage for Eager come draft time. He is adequately skilled, but his heart and work ethic will keep him in the first round.
Many in-the-know people think that Koreis could be the steal of the draft. Being the steal of the draft does not mean being the best played drafted but being the best player drafted that team’s passed over. He is coming of knee surgery which could slow his progress down at the beginning of the 2002-03 season, but he should be able to rebound quickly and finish with a solid second half. Koreis will eventually fill the hole for a big 2-way centre created with the Handzus/Boucher trade.
Projected Like: Darren McCarty
Chance in the NHL: 7.5/10
|
Team |
Year |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
|
Oshawa, OHL |
2001-2002 |
61 |
14 |
23 |
37 |
247 |
#46 (Round 2) David Lenevue – Goalie - Cornell University, NCAA
Central Scouting Bureau says: Possesses strong skating ability with good balance, quickness and athleticism … has very quick lateral movement and uses a controlled butterfly style … has a fast glove hand … plays a sound positional game, effectively staying square to the shooter … is very alert and aware of what is happening around him … effectively uses the paddle-down technique in scramble situations … effectively sets up for the defensemen to breakout … has good overall instincts … plays with a lot of intensity with a confident attitude … is a strong individual who effectively holds his ground when forwards crash the net … refuses to get intimidated.
He played backup last year and had a very good year. He should get all of the workload this upcoming year with Cornell. Lenevue plays the butterfly well and is mentally ready for the NHL. If Alliare can work with him a little then it should only be between three to five years in which he could be ready to take over duties as a solid starter in the NHL.
Projected Like: Dan Blackburn
Chance in the NHL: 7/10
| Team | Year | GP | GAA | SV% | SO |
| Cornell University (NCAA) | 2001-2002 | 14 | 1.50 | 936 | 2 |
#70 (Round 3) Joe Callahan – Defense – Yale University, NCAA
Callahan is a big defensemen at 6’3″, 215-pounds but tends to play soft. He has got the size and the skill to be in the NHL, he just needs to use his body and size to his advantage and learn to take the body a bit more. Callahan has great puck awareness for a defensemen and has a great shot.
Projected Like: Andy Delmore
Chance in the NHL: 6/10
| Team | Year | GP | G | A | P | PIM |
| Yale University | 2001-2002 | 31 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 20 |
#80 (Round 4) Matt Jones – Defense – University of North Dakota, NCAA
Central Scouting Bureau Information: A very smooth, powerful skater with an effortless stride and good balance … has good offensive ability and likes to join the offensive attack … has strong passing skills and a good shot … a smart player and a good decision maker … an aggressive player who can physically dominate the defensive zone … punishes opponents in the corners and in front of the net … strong in one-on-one situations.
Jones will be able to make the NHL as long as he works hard and keeps his body in condition. His 6’0″ 215-pound frame is able to handle the body in front of the net physically and able to handle the other teams best forwards.
Projected Like: Scott Stevens
Chance in the NHL: 6/10
| Team | Year | GP | G | A | P | PIM |
| University of North Dakota | 2001-2002 | 35 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 20 |
Russell Brooks is webmaster of CoyotesCorner.net
