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Arizona Coyotes: 5 player predictions for next season

By Nick McAdam

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 31: Goalie Antti Raanta #32 of the Arizona Coyotes is congratulated by teammate Derek Stepan #21 after a 6-0 shutout victory against the St Louis Blues at Gila River Arena on March 31, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 31: Goalie Antti Raanta #32 of the Arizona Coyotes is congratulated by teammate Derek Stepan #21 after a 6-0 shutout victory against the St Louis Blues at Gila River Arena on March 31, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 23: New Jersey Devils Left Wing Michael Grabner (40) skates during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New Jersey Devils on March 23, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 23: New Jersey Devils Left Wing Michael Grabner (40) skates during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New Jersey Devils on March 23, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Michael Grabner

  • Slow start to the season
  • Solid defensive contributions
  • Leads the team in shorthanded goals

Speaking of trust; Grabner is going to have to earn a lot of it to stay within the Coyotes’ lineup.

Consistency is a huge issue from Grabner, especially in recent portions of his career. After amassing 25 goals for the New York Rangers before the trade deadline, Grabner crossed over a state with the New Jersey Devils and only contributed two goals to the team’s playoff push.

The Austrian is scoring goals at a pace with some of the top players in the league at one moment, and then the next, he drops right back into silence. Combine consistency issues with his expect fourth line minutes this year, and it might be a slow start to the season for Grabner in terms of stats.

However, the 30-year-old can use his amazing pace to lead in a couple areas of the game. It all stems from being on the top penalty kill, and him specializing in that area would only make sense for Tocchet.

Grabner loves leaping towards the neutral zone to accept a breakaway pass. Even though that’s risky on the penalty kill, his ability to finish those chances can guide him to the team-lead in shorthanded goals.

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