Arizona Coyotes: Full line combination predictions for 2018-19
By Nick McAdam
Defense
Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Jason Demers
Alex Gologoski-Niklas Hjalmarsson
Jakob Chychrun-Kevin Connauton
Jordan Oesterle
Not much action over the summer on the defensive side of the Coyotes’ game has little impact on the line combinations. That is, it’s almost the same defensive core from the 2017-18 campaign that will enter the dawning season ahead.
It’s a core that is slowly starting to form. It all starts with Oliver Ekman-Larsson starring on the top pair and then followed by a nice pair of Niklas Hjalmarsson and Alex Gologoski. Ekman-Larsson can make a lot of defenders look better than they are, so hopefully Demers can increase his 20 point total from last season.
Hjalmarsson is known for his defensive awareness while being able to hold the puck in on the offensive side of things. This combines very well with Gologoski who goes all out to get forward and take pressing shots when given the opportunity.
The bottom pair features Jakob Chychrun, who won’t be there all season. The young defender will likely move up and down the d-core depending on his level of play. Kevin Connauton is not a bad partner, but it’s really all up to Chychrun to make his own run at more ice time for the future.
Jordan Oesterle was acquired as a seventh defender, and plays well when used that way. Any injuries can be covered by the former Chicago Blackhawk, but since Arizona isn’t packing much defensive depth beyond Oesterle, supporters will have to keep their fingers crossed that the defense will remain in good health this year.