The Arizona Coyotes have reason for optimism because of young talent that likely will be in the NHL in the near future.
It starts with forwards Max Domi and Anthony Duclair, who each has a good chance to make the roster out of training camp. Forward Dylan Strome, the No. 3 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, probably will spend the season in the American Hockey League, but he and forwards Christian Dvorak and Brendan Perlini could reach the NHL in 2015-16.
Defensemen Brandon Gormley, Philip Samuelsson and Klas Dahlbeck are likely to be staples for years to come.
Here's a look at the Coyotes' top five prospects, according to NHL.com:
1. Max Domi, C
Last season: London, OHL: 57 GP, 32-70-102
There's no doubt Domi, 20, has the offensive potential to succeed in the NHL. In four seasons with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, he improved his scoring in each, going from 49 points in 2011-12 to 102 in 2014-15.
The knock has been an inability to get teammates into the play, often rushing up ice and shooting without looking for a pass option. At 5-foot-10, 198 pounds, the son of former NHL player Tie Domi adds a physical presence, something the Coyotes could use.
Domi could crack the opening-night roster but shouldn't be expected to play top-six minutes right away. He participated in his third development camp with the Coyotes in July and general manager Don Maloney said he would be surprised if Domi didn't make the team. Domi would have comfort likely playing with Duclair, his linemate with Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Projected NHL arrival: 2015-16
2. Anthony Duclair, LW
How acquired: Traded from the New York Rangers in March 2015
Last season: Rangers: 18 GP, 1-6-7; Quebec, QMJHL: 26 GP, 15-19-34
A third-round pick by the Rangers (No. 80) in the 2013 NHL Draft, Duclair could be exactly what the Coyotes need: a young, speedy wing. Duclair had seven points in 18 games with the Rangers early last season before he was traded to the Coyotes at the NHL Trade Deadline.
Duclair, 19, has an accurate shot, but scored once on 18 shots last season (5.6 percent) with the Rangers. He scored 50 goals in 59 games with the Remparts of the Quebec Montreal Junior Hockey League in 2013-14, so the offensive ability is there. Duclair has a chance to make the roster out of training camp, but at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, he may need to add size before that happens.
Projected NHL arrival: 2015-16
3. Dylan Strome, C
How acquired: 1st round (No. 3), 2015 NHL Draft
Last season: Erie, OHL: 68 GP, 45-84-129
Playing with Connor McDavid, the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, with the Erie Otters last season, Strome had 45 goals and 129 points in 68 games and two goals and 22 points in 19 playoff games. He's 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, and uses his size to his advantage.
Strome, the brother of New York Islanders forward Ryan Strome, has been described as a leader and team player who knows when to shoot and when to pass, but the Coyotes likely will allow him to play another season in juniors before making him an everyday player in the NHL.
Projected NHL arrival: 2016-17
4. Christian Dvorak, LW
How acquired: 2nd round (No. 58), 2014 NHL Draft
Last season: London, OHL: 66 GP, 41-68-109; Portland, AHL: 2 GP 1-1-2
After a knee injury in 2013-14 (six goals and 14 points in 33 games), Dvorak broke out for 41 goals and 109 points in 66 regular-season games, with five goals and 13 points in 10 playoff games. Dvorak, 19, played two games with Portland of the AHL, and likely will spend next season with new affiliate Springfield.
Dvorak (6-foot, 187) possesses excellent skating ability and is a solid two-way forward. His speed can create problems for opponents, and a season in the AHL should help him before his NHL arrival.
Projected NHL arrival: 2016-17
5. Brandon Gormley, D
How acquired: 1st round (No. 13), 2010 NHL Draft
Last season: Coyotes: 27 GP, 2-2-4; Portland, AHL: 23 GP 3-7-10
Gormley, 23, played 27 games for the Coyotes last season and had two goals and four points to go along with 10 penalty minutes and 39 shots on goal. He's played in 32 NHL games but has a chance to be a regular this season. He's a solid two-way defenseman who can join Oliver Ekman-Larsson as a leader of the defense in upcoming years.
The Coyotes had the seventh-best power play in the NHL last season, converting on 20 percent of its chances, and Gormley (6-foot-2, 196) could figure prominently as the point man. He can pass, has an accurate shot, and is a tireless worker.
Projected NHL arrival: 2015-16
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