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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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GLENDALE, AZ – MARCH 31: Jakob Chychrun #6 of the Arizona Coyotes celebrates his second period goal 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: Jakob Chychrun #6 of the Arizona Coyotes celebrates his second period goal against the St Louis Blues at Gila River Arena on March 31, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Jakob Chychrun

  • Greatly improves shot through percentage
  • Goes back to averaging above 20 minutes per contest
  • Stays the same in terms of goals; more assists

A lot of faith from personnel around the Coyotes’ organization is being put into Chychrun. The hope is that one day, the defender can transition right into the top minute game on a regular basis.

At the moment, Chychrun still needs to improve on his all-around game to even be considered for the top four. Alex Gologoski might provide some stiff competition for the 19-year-old, but that will hopefully keep him on his toes.

If Chychrun manages to collect just a couple more minutes of average ice time than he did last season, he’ll need to get better in holding the puck in and putting shots towards the net. There’s a lot of expectations around the offense this year, and a ton of the attack stems from plays made from a defenseman.

Last season, Chychrun collected a shot through percentage of 43.4, which was right near his total from his rookie campaign. That number needs to reach above the mid 50 mark, and he’ll have the perfect partner in Niklas Hjalmarsson to take notes from.

As soon as the puck is released from his stick from the point, it’s going to be luck if it hits net. A good portion of the time, that’s going to be Chychrun’s best chance to hit the cage, which is why his goal total might be less than his total of four last season.

That doesn’t matter as much though. Get shots through and let the new wave of offensive talent scoop up the rebounds.

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