With the recent struggles of the Arizona Coyotes, there is one thing they can still take out from this whole traumatic experience in not having won a game yet this season, and that is their star rookie: Clayton Keller. Keller, 19, is currently leading the Calder Trophy race as he’s managed to score 8 points (6 goals, and 2 assists) in a span of 8 games played. His only real competition as of now is Columbus Blue Jackets’ Sonny Milano is one goal behind Keller in stats.
Keller has been consistently placed on the first line along side Max Domi and Derek Stepan. Those three have been calculated of being 70% of the Arizona Coyotes offense as that line managed to put home 4 goals against the Dallas Stars earlier this week.
Keller bases his game off of Chicago Blackhawks’ forward Patrick Kane who is one of the leagues top players. Coyotes fans are hoping to one day see Keller develop into becoming the next Patrick Kane.
Despite the teams struggles, they just seem to keep falling short, but Keller seems to be that player who sparks the team up with a late goal here or an impressive snipe there, which is keeping the fans hopeful.
“The chemistry is there, but we just have to keep moving forward,” Keller said before the game against Chicago.
Another thing to take notice of from this darkness is Derek Stepan. Although he may seem frustrated or is assumed to be along with the rest of the team, his positive attitude and leadership continues to shine along with Keller.
After coming off of another loss, Stepan stated, “I still feel so confident in this group,” as they have been putting in the effort every game.
With only 1 point in the standings, the Coyotes are officially the worst team in the league, which leaves many to wonder, “Is this another year where the Coyotes just ‘tank’ to get the 1st overall pick in this years draft?” Although, no player stands out as the top prospect this year yet, the Coyotes, could eventually develop that mentality.
As mentioned for the past several years, the future is bright in Arizona… or is that just hopeful thinking at this point? This year was supposed to be the year the Coyotes turn around. General Manager John Chayka said during the offseason, “We would be very disappointed if we didn’t make the playoffs.” With a team that is already falling behind in the standings, is Chayka wishfully thinking too?
