Clayton Keller has broken nearly all of his personal records this year, breaking out into a star. Fracturing his leg last spring ended his campaign early, which left many doubts. Those doubts are now thoughts of the past as Clayton Keller continues to perform at an elite level despite the scary injury. So far, Keller has exceeded expectations putting up 79 points in 73 games so far this season. His previous season high was just 65 in his rookie year. Despite his on-ice success, what is making him a candidate for captain? And can he lead this young Coyotes’ team back to the postseason?
Coyotes’ Youth, Led By Keller
Coyotes Captain History
The Coyotes have only had four captains as of 2023. These being, Keith Tkachuk, Teppo Numminen, Shane Doan, and Oliver Ekman- Larsson. Since the trade that sent Ekman-Larsson to the Vancouver Canucks, the Coyotes‘ have been left without a captain, searching for a new one. Shane Doan is the longest-tenured captain on the team, served for 13 seasons as the captain, leading the Coyotes to a 2011-12 postseason appearance.
With the Coyotes in search of a new captain, they have several experienced alternate captains. Those names include Lawson Crouse, Christian Fischer, and Clayton Keller. Both Fischer and Keller were drafted to the desert. As for Crouse, he was traded just days after being drafted by the Florida Panthers. All provide a unique piece to this young Coyotes team. Keller brings elite offense to the table each night as Fischer and Crouse lean toward the physical side. Although, Keller should be the frontrunner with what he’s gone through to get here.
Clayton Keller Taking on Leadership Role
Having one of the youngest teams in the entire National Hockey League (NHL), it can be hard to have control, especially during a rebuild. Clayton Keller has done this and more showing what he and others around him can do in a rebuilding year. His linemates of, Nick Schmaltz and Barrett Hayton, are also experiencing the type of success Keller is having because of Keller’s fantastic play. He has played great, which is why he was named the National Hockey League’s First Star of the Week for the week from March 7-13. In four games, Keller had four goals and five assists for nine points.
FACT: Clayton Keller can do anything. pic.twitter.com/tISmM8qyZC
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 23, 2023
Under Head Coach Rick Tocchet, Keller seemed to not have confidence and struggled while on the ice. His teammate and linemate, Nick Schmaltz, says, “Bear (Tourigny) gave us some creative room to make plays,” Schmaltz said. “If you get back and play defense hard, you’re going to be able to make those plays.” When you have a coach who is confident in you to make plays, it makes a players job much easier.
With this confidence, he’s been able to lead this Coyotes team through a rough season.
Kellers Play Speaks For Itself
Coming back from such a scary injury can be challenging, let alone impossible. But Keller has done the exact opposite and is on pace to break the Coyotes’ all-time scoring leader, Keith Tkachuk, from the 1996-97 season. Keller has been dynamic on the ice this season, and it is showing on the stat sheet. Currently sitting at 79 points, he is on pace for 88 points which would break Tkachuk’s total by two.
Nonetheless, Keller’s outstanding play and remarkable comeback are qualities you need when picking a franchises’ next captain. Keller has proved himself worthy of wearing the “C” and has established himself as a core piece on this young Coyotes team. With Keller signed in the desert throughout 2028, he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. If Keller is named captain of the Coyotes, the future is only bright from here on out.
Main Photo: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports
