Today, we will break down the future of the Arizona Coyotes defence. An important note is that we will be selecting defenceman at the age of 27 or younger. The Coyotes had a terrible offseason, not having a pick until the 5th round of the 2020 entry draft. The Coyotes also don’t have a first-rounder in the 2021 NHL entry draft. Despite losing a bunch of picks, what does the future hold for the blue line in the next five years?
The Future of the Arizona Coyotes Defence
Jacob Chychrun (Age: 22)
Jacob Chychrun was selected 16th overall by the Coyotes in the 2016 NHL draft. The youngster will play a much larger role in the 2020-21 season. That is due to the injury of Coyotes Captain, Oliver Ekman-Larsson. So far, Chychrun has collected three points in his first two games. The American-born defencemen can alter the course of any game with his skill. Chychrun displays an effective two-way factor to his game, impacting the game in all three zones. Chychrun is a very physical defender with a heavy shot from the point. He has a very active stick, making him impactful against the rush. All in all, Chychrun is a really solid two-way defender who can wear down the opposition’s forwards with his physical play. He will play on Arizona’s top pair and be regarded as their top defenceman for a long time.
Kyle Capobianco (Age: 23)
Kyle Capobianco was selected in the third round, 63rd overall in 2016. Capobianco recorded 10 goals and 37 points in 42 AHL games last season with Tucson. He will play on Arizona’s third pairing for most of the 2020-21 season, due to the injury of Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Capobianco displays some solid offensive upside but needs work in his own end. He has a quality shot from the point with some promising offensive instincts. He could add some more bulk to him, as well as work on his defensive game away from the puck. Capobianco has the potential to be a fringe top-four defender/good bottom-pairing guy.
Victor Söderström (Age: 19)
Söderström was picked 11th overall by the Coyotes in the 2019 NHL draft. He has already signed his entry-level deal, playing in the SHL as a loan. He played fantastic in the World Juniors, potting five assists in five games for Team Sweden. Söderström’s hockey IQ is among the best of the draft class, along with his elusive skating and good edges. Söderström is really mobile with the puck, making him effective in all areas on the ice. Söderström lacks the strength needed at the NHL, but he will continue to develop in the SHL and AHL. He has top-four upside and is probably the best defender in Arizona’s current system.
Ilya Lyubushkin (Age: 26)
Ilya Lyubushkin was signed as a free agent by the Coyotes, starting his NHL career in the 2018-19 NHL season. Lyubushkin started out the 2020-21 season in the KHL with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Lyubushkin is a very underrated player, posting some great analytics at the NHL level. For example, he has solid showing in his GF/60, CF/60, and xGA/60 numbers. Those are all advanced stats covered by evolving hockey. Lyubuskin is a shutdown defenseman, who plays very physical every night. As of right now, Lyubushkin is on the taxi squad for Arizona, which is why he’s spending the season in the KHL. Overall, Lyubushkin is a decent third-pairing defenseman, that can block shots and lay the body.
Filip Westerlund (Age: 21)
Westerlund was selected 44th overall in the 2017 NHL entry draft. The Swedish defender is still currently unsigned, playing for Timrå IK this season. He’s recorded three goals and 15 points in 30 games for the club. Westerlund has a solid hockey IQ and smarts for the game. Westerlund can definitely move the puck up the ice from his own end. Westerlund’s best attribute is making sharp breakout passes, stretching the length of the ice. Westerlund is a pretty good defender with good stick positioning. Westerlund will need to put on some more bulk to compete at a pro-level, but he has the potential to be a second-pairing guy. However, the third pair may also be an option if it comes to it.
Vili Saarijärvi (Age: 23)
Saarijärvi was acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for goaltender Eric Comrie. Saarijärvi was originally picked 73rd overall in 2015. The defender is posting a good season in Liiga, at almost a point per game pace. Saarijärvi has some great awareness in the offensive zone but lacks an understanding in his own end.
He is a fast puck mover who possesses great skills with the puck. But also a little undersized at 5’10, but the NHL is adapting to smaller players. He is an aggressive defenceman who plays a great offensive game. Saarijärvi played decent in the AHL, splitting time between Tucson and Grand Rapids before being traded. Saarijärvi despite great offensive skills, will probably become a sixth or seventh defenseman at an NHL level.
Potential Lineup
Chychrun – Söderström
Capobianco – Westerlund
Lyubushkin – Saarijärvi
This is a potential look at the Arizona Coyotes defence, built out of their under-27 names. The Arizona Coyotes don’t have the most promising blue line in the future. Despite having a great top pair, their second and third pairs could use some work. They have a good balance between offensive and defensive defenceman. The Coyotes could probably use a free agent signing or two down the road, but overall not a terrible core.
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