Going into the 2000 draft I wanted the Coyotes to take a gamble on
players with huge upsides. They did not disappoint as several of the
Coyote picks were made for skilled offensive players who are years away
from making any sort of impact in the NHL. They even managed to grab
two overage draft re-entries that provide the Coyote roster with some
much needed depth for the short term.
As for the draft itself, after much reflection, I have to admit I was
fairly pleased with the group of prospects they grabbed with their
selections. It is not an “A” draft by any means, but I would give the
Coyote staff a grade of a “B-”. The grade would have been higher if the
Coyotes had been able to move up in the draft or if more information
were available on second round pick Tatarinov. The Coyote drafting
strategy highlighted the need to bring players with the potential to
play on a top line. I am also biased by the selection of Ramzi Abid who
I feel will make an immediate impact for the Coyotes. It would be
fantastic if Abid could develop into the type of player that Shane Doan
has become. I think Daniel Briere could find some room to work some
magic playing in between these two behemoths. I have a feeling that
Abid will be on the NHL roster next season; especially if the Coyotes
are unable to come to terms with free agent wingers Greg Adams or Benoit
Hogue. So with apologies to Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic, here Read more»
The Phoenix Coyotes rolled the dice in the 2000 draft by selecting three forwards with their first three picks. They were attempting to get bigger and more aggressive. Two of the three picks helped accomplish that. Expect the Coyotes to continue their search for big character players; especially at forward.
Coyotes Picks
Name Round Pick
1. Krys Kolanos 1 19
2. Alexander Tatarinov 2 53
3. Ramzi Abid 3 85
The selection of Krys Kolanos raised a few eyebrows at first glance, especially when other highly touted players were still waiting to be selected. Kolanos is a tremendous offensive talent whose strong finish with Boston College of the NCAA drew the attention from Coyotes scouts. Kolanos is a big centerman who has yet to learn how to consistently use his size to his advantage. The upside to this pick? A first or second line center in the mold of Adam Oates. My analysis: I originally was disappointed with this selection. Nothing against Kolanos but I wanted the Coyotes to select one of Frolov, Nikulin, or Samuelsson, all of which were still available. However, upon reflecting upon the offensive upside of the pick I find myself satisfied with the selection. Kolanos has the tools. If he develops the toolbox, he may have a very bright future with the Coyotes.
Coyotes first selection (19th overall) (Hockey News Ranking - 27)
Kris Kolanos 6'2" 196 lbs
Read more»
When Wayne Gretzky joined the Phoenix Coyote franchise it was supposed to serve as notice for the entire NHL that the Coyotes organization was to be taken seriously; that they were serious about making a run at becoming one of the NHL elite. If the Coyotes are indeed serious about making a run at the Cup, the changes are slated to start at the NHL entry draft.
Read more»
Expect one thing from the Phoenix Coyotes this summer. Changes. Lots and lots of changes. When Steve Ellman purchased the Coyotes franchise earlier this week, he purchased a team full of disenchanted players.
First and foremost for the Coyotes organization is a decision regarding GM Bobby Smith. Smith, brought in by the Burke regime, may find himself looking for a job sooner than later. The Coyotes hardly made any noise against the Avalanche in this years playoffs. This was due largely in part due to a lack of their star goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin and center Robert Reichel. Both players, Smith was unable to come to an agreement on new contracts. With fourteen free agents this off-season, Smith can ill-afford to lose any more of their top line talent, namely Dallas Drake and Lyle Odelein.
Speaking of Khabibulin, the Tampa Bay Lighting have reportedly shown interest in the netminder. Khabibulin who starred in the IHL this season should demand a high price. However, if changes are made within the management structure of the Coyotes organization, expect Khabibulin to reach an agreement to remain in Phoenix next season. Khabibulin is on record stating that he would return to the Coyotes organization if such a change transpired. This is in stark contrast to his previous comments regarding never again playing for the Coyotes organization.
Read more»
With players like Teemu Selanne, Keith Tkachuk, Alexei Zhamnov, the Phoenix Coyotes/Winnipeg
Jets franchise had at one moment assembled one of the deepest talent pools in the NHL.
Were they that adapt at drafting or did it just happen that they got lucky?
The Coyotes/Jets franchise has been unable to rebuild their franchise effectively through the draft. A lot of this lack of success can be directly attributed to their poor use of their first round selections.
After drafting Keith Tkachuk in 1990, it has a long time before the Coyotes drafted anyone of significance with their first round pick. Case and point was the Sergei Bautin fiasco back in 1993. Back in 1992 Mike Smith then GM of the Jets decided that the best player available with their 17th pick overall was the then 25 year-old Sergei Bautin a rugged defensive defenseman. Needless to say, that move backfired and within four seasons and a trade to Detroit, Sergei was out of the NHL entirely. He will go down in history for the Jets/Coyotes as the worst draft pick in franchise history (Some Jimmy Mann critics may disagree) and provides a clear example of how pathetic this team was at the draft table during the first round for much of the decade. Read more»
|
