Dylan Guenther and the Seattle Thunderbirds are Memorial Cup-bound. The Coyotes decided on February 5th to send him back down to the WHL (Western Hockey League). Since then, the Alberta native has played with a stacked Thunderbird team which consisted of players like Brad Lambert, Kevin Korchinski, and more.
This propelled the team to a decisive series win against the Winnipeg ICE, four to one. Guenther’s performance was a key factor in Seattle’s success, as shown on the stat sheet.
Guenther has looked like an NHL-ready player, but will it translate into next season with the Coyotes?
Guenther Shows Off NHL-Ready Shot
Bill Armstrongs Risk Pays Dividends
It has been a ride for Dylan Guenther. At the start of the 2022-23 NHL season, the Coyotes had a tough decision to make. Do you let the 19-year-old Dylan Guenther play beyond nine games, or do you send him down? Bill Armstrong elected to keep Guenther on the roster, which is pretty bold.
Later on, Guenther had six goals and nine assists through 33 games. The decision was then made to send Guenther down to the WHL, where he’d report to the Seattle Thunderbirds. Guenther, who was playing his dream in the NHL, was pretty bummed like anyone would be.
Guenther talked after being sent down, “Maybe after this experience, if I come back next season and have a good start to training camp, then I can appreciate that, but you’re a little bit bitter. It’s disappointing. You don’t want to get sent down. I was living my dream, playing in the NHL as a young kid.”
With Guenther having a chance to now win the Memorial Cup, the risk has definitely paid off.
Dylan Guenther Brilliant Playoff Performance
Entering the 2021 NHL Draft, Guenther was tagged as an elite sharp-shooter. He did exactly that during his time in Seattle. During regular season play, he notched 29 points, 13 being goals in 20 games.
In the playoffs, he elevated to another level as he had a league-leading 16 goals along with 12 assists. He has been a major impact in Seattle’s efforts and is taking charge with an elite shot.
“It feels good,” Guenther said. ” This is special, seeing this building erupt like that on that last goal, this feeling doesn’t get old.” Guenther has now won two WHL championships, one with the Oil Kings and now one with the Thunderbirds. Missing out on the Memorial Cup last year due to injury was a big blow, but Guenther finds himself right back there with Seattle.
Scoring goals almost everywhere he goes this will only add to his experience and development.
How Does This Impact His Development?
This is absolutely huge for Guenther’s development. Not only adding to the experience but playing in meaningful games with a very competitive team. Winning the WHL Championship and having a chance to compete in the Memorial Cup is exactly what Bill Armstrong and company wanted to see.
“If you can win two championships in a year and still know what it’s like to play in the NHL because you have played a good chunk of games, that’s a valuable year,” Armstrong said. “Once you play in the NHL, you know the standards here and suddenly you realize, ‘I’m not strong enough. I’ve got to work like an animal.’”
Guenther has the potential to be a 30-goal-scorer in the NHL; with this sample size at the junior level, it’s very encouraging. Another factor other than skill is the amount of experience he is getting. Winning the WHL championship twice now and winning gold with Team Canada at the World Juniors.
Already having 33 games under his belt, he will look to continue this over to next season.
What Does Next Year Look Like?
Dylan Guenther will no doubt be playing up in the NHL next year and hopefully taking another leap. This year alone, he has taken a massive step, but finding success at the NHL level will be the next test for the Edmonton native. An advantage he has over many young prospects his age, he already has 33 games of NHL experience under his belt.
With the amount of skill Guenther possesses, it’s hard to see any world where he is sent down to the AHL, especially with how he played with Seattle this past postseason. The Coyotes also won’t be fighting for a playoff spot by any means. This will allow Guenther to come in and not have so much pressure on him to perform well.
Bill Armstrong and company must be ecstatic with what they have in Guenther. He already has shown he can be a game-changer in the juniors, but can he be in the NHL?
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
