{coyotes} Coyotes prospect Max Domi's NHL wait getting shorter

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The Arizona Coyotes' roster is still in revision mode with plenty of time for tweaks before its ultimate reveal, but it's still hard to ignore its current deficiencies.

Their scoring options have actually diminished since the season ended, thanks largely to the departure of winger Radim Vrbata via free agency, and this has only added more credibility to the claim that prized prospect Max Domi's NHL debut could happen in the fall.

But apparently this buzz hasn't snaked its way back to Domi. Or, if it has, he isn't reading too much into it.

"No, not really, to be honest with you," said Domi, who was one of the star attractions Tuesday at the Ice Den in Scottsdale for Day 1 of the Coyotes prospect-development camp. "I just try to come to the rink and play hockey and have fun and usually let the rest take care of itself, and everything else is just a distraction."

Domi, drafted 12th overall in 2013, was actually very much in the mix for a roster spot last fall, eventually returning to London of the Ontario Hockey League after being a late cut.

"I would have loved to stay," the 19-year-old said. "But at the end of the day, they had a different thing in mind, so they told me what to work on, and (I) went back and hopefully addressed all that, and hopefully it will be a little different this year."

Domi's extended stay at training camp last year wasn't a handout. He had a legitimate shot to crack the lineup, especially considering the Coyotes still were searching for a linemate for Vrbata and center Martin Hanzal.

"But at the time, we just felt that it was such a big jump for him," coach Dave Tippett said. "It was better off in the long term of his development to go back to junior and play one more year."

Domi didn't disappoint, racking up 34 goals and 93 points. The Coyotes have a policy of not rushing players to the NHL, but that skill base makes Domi very attractive for the Coyotes. Even though he'll be slotted into the top six if he makes the team, he won't be allowed to slack on his 200-foot game.

"I play guys I can win with," Tippett said. "I play to win. When you get to the NHL, you should play to win — not play to hope you can develop kids. Developing kids is for the American League and junior. When we put a kid in, he's in there because he can win."

What gives Domi an advantage is the team's clear need for talent among its forward lines. And he's better prepared this go-around.

"I watched these guys on TV, and now I'm playing with them," Domi said. "Getting that out of your head and just playing your game was a lot tougher than people realize."

Domi still seemed to be getting used to the idea of playing in the NHL once he returned to junior, visualizing himself on the ice with the Coyotes when he watched their games on TV.

He might not have to daydream for much longer.

"I've got to make the team first, and once that happens, we can go from there," Domi said. "My game, there's a lot of offense, but whatever I'm told to do, I'm going to do it. If Tip wants me playing defense or goal or playing forward, I'll do whatever it takes. I think everyone knows that, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

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