Coyotes Draft and Free Agency Report

 Coyotes Draft and Free Agency Report 

By Kyle Hildebrand

Arizona's new GM Bill Armstrong was dealt with an unusual deck in the 2020 draft. The Coyotes forfeited their first and second-round picks amid an illegal scouting scandal earlier this year. On top of that, Coyotes captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson was also on the trade block.

"This felt like Christmas for everybody else and it felt like the 28th of December for us," Armstrong said.

Despite an inactive first three rounds, the action began in the fourth round for Arizona. With the 111th pick, their highest pick, the Coyotes selected D Mitchell Miller from Tri-City of the USHL. He had 33 points in 44 games played this season.

His scouting report reflects those numbers as well. Miller’s been noted as a skilled defenseman with a very high hockey IQ who can get the puck out of trouble.

The Yotes’ next pick wouldn’t be until round 5 where Carson Bantle was selected from Madison of the USHL. According to eliteprospects.com Bantle can use his size to his advantage, even noting he was “throwing around players like they weren’t even there.”

In round 6, forward Filip Barklund was selected. His 30 points in 49 games. He shows off his offensive dexterities, but he’s a quick skater, per his scouting report.

The Coyotes final pick in round 7 was right-winger Elliot Ekefjard. He’s been noted as a strong forward with a powerful shot, netting 9 goals (14 points overall) in 15 games played this season.

With free agency looming the following day, Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s deadline was quickly approaching for the two interested teams (Boston and Vancouver). However, a deal was never met and OEL will stay a Coyote for another season.

Although no major trade occurred, the Coyotes kept themselves busy with free-agent signings:

Tyler Pitlick (PHI) – 2 years x $1.75m

John Hayden (NJD) – 1-year x $750k

Johan Larsson (BUF) – 2 years x $1.4m

Dryden Hunt (FLA) – 1-year x two-way ($750k NHL/$250k AHL)

Notable losses for the Coyotes include:

 

Brad Richardson

Carl Soderberg

Vinnie Hinostroza

Taylor Hall

Michael Grabner

The Coyotes still have some work to accomplish down the road, but it will certainly make for an interesting 25th anniversary-season.