Rookie Watch: Phoenix Coyotes

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Each Day until September 15th TPS will take a look at one team from the East and one team from the West and spotlight a few rookies to watch for this season. Today in the West it’s the Phoenix Coyotes.

Hoping Schenn Starts a Domino Effect

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The LA Kings made the coaching and scouting staff of Hockey Canada breathe a little easier on Thursday. By sending Brayden Schenn back to the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL, the Kings also gave Hockey Canada it's #1 centre and all around best player. Schenn also makes the Wheat Kings an interesting team to watch, as getting back last year's co-captain could easily vault them a few spots up the standings.

The Wheat Kings sit tied for a playoff spot right now but are only a few wins out of 6th, and if they keep Schenn they could make a run for a home playoff game, which would be a pretty amazing accomplishment considering the players they lost after hosting the Memorial Cup.

Coyotes Prospect Snap Shot

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NHL hockey arrived in the Arizona desert in 1996 after the Winnipeg Jets relocated to Phoenix and became the Coyotes. Whether you pronounce that nickname with one syllable or two, few would try and make the case that the Desert Dogs have had a smooth ride in Phoenix.

The ongoing ownership issues have marred a franchise that probably needed nothing but positive press clippings to stay relevant in an environment where a sport played on ice is way down the pecking order.

The Coyotes have their fan base and like all NHL teams, the fans they have are passionate despite their smaller numbers. Unfortunately there hasn't been much for the buying public to get excited about over the years. The team qualified for the playoffs in 5 of their first 6 years in town but have not appeared in the post season since 2001-02. Phoenix has never won a playoff round and have not claimed a regular season division title either.

Most pundits believe that the on-ice future for the Coyotes is very bright thanks to recent drafting success and a positive rebuilding strategy. Here's a look at some of the top pups Coming Down the Pipe for the Coyotes.

Wednesday Re-Set

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Brent Sutter - Owner, President and GM of the Red Deer Rebels as well as coach of the New Jersey Devils. Many have wondered if he'll return to the NHL next season and if so, whether it will be with the Devils or a team closer to his home. A lot of Oilers fans have Sutter atop their 'New Coach Wish List' and many Flames fans would like to see him join Darryl Sutter in Cowtown.

Last night we had an exclusive and extended talk with Brent Sutter about his past with the Rebels and Hockey Canada; many of the players dominating the NHL these days have Sutter's fingerprints on them. We also talked about Sutter's present with the Devils and playing against former players like Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes. Of course we also talked about what the future might bring and although he obviously can't say too much while under contract, Sutter did open up about what his off-season decision making will entail and gave some insight into his situation with Lou Lamoriello as well. (SUTTER HERE)

Also on the program, we caught up with 2009 eligible prospect Mike Cichy of the USHL's Indiana Ice. The forward set a new record for points in the playoffs en route to being named post season MVP as he led the ICE to the Clark Cup. Cichy also picked up the MVP award from the 2008 WJAC in Camrose back in November. Next season he'll be a member of the North Dakota whatever-they-will-be-calleds in the NCAA. (CICHY HERE)

We talked a lot about the ongoing Memorial Cup too. Our planned interview with Peter Loubardias fell through thanks to a wonky cell phone but that didn't stop us from covering as much ground on the tournament as possible. (Memorial Cup discussion HERE)


We ended the show with ISS head scout Mike Oke who broke down the latest rankings, the last monthly release before the ISS Draft Guide hits the street. Magnus Paarjarvi-Svensson, Louis Leblanc (pictured), Mike Cichy and Oliver Ekmund-Larsson were the players under the microscope this week. (ISS Draft Countdown for May HERE)

All that plus more on The Pipeline Show last night. If you haven't heard already, you can now follow us on Twitter and also join our Facebook Group as well. Just two more ways to stay connected to TPS so we can update you on the happenings in the world of hockey prospects.

(Photos Courtsey: NHL.com, USHL, Hockey Canada)