The development of 19-year-old Dylan Guenther is continuing. A decision was due to be made concerning his NHL status. When the Arizona Coyotes face the Chicago Blackhawks on February 10th, the next game would have been Guenther’s 40th meaning a year would have been deducted from his future unrestricted free agency. It seemed inevitable that he would return to the WHL. His rights were recently traded from the Edmonton Oil Kings to the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Per Coyotes insider, Craig Morgan:
Dylan Guenther Will Gain Some Valuable Experience
Guenther missed his chance to compete for the Memorial Cup last season when he was injured. He’s got to be pumped to get a chance to be involved in it this year. With his NHL experience and having collected six goals and nine assists in 33 games, he will be a valuable addition to the Seattle lineup.
It has long been an issue with Coyotes’ prospects. Rushing Dylan Strome certainly didn’t help his development in the former Arizona forward’s NHL future. He only tallied seven goals and nine assists in 48 games. He averaged just over 13 minutes of playing time and looked lost most of the time.
Guenther has had his moments, but consistency is the main ingredient to sticking in the NHL. He still has all the skills, and one heck of a shot to get him back to the NHL soon… probably next season. Remember the Coyotes drafted Logan Cooley with their third overall selection in the 2022 NHL draft. He is doing exceptionally well with the University of Minnesota. Cooley has 13 goals and 23 assists in 27 games. During the World Juniors, he also added seven goals and seven assists in seven games for Team USA.
Looking forward can you imagine a line consisting of Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther? Let’s just say, the future appears to be banking on these three very talented young players. Keller is going full force with 18 goals, 23 assists while playing in all 50 games for the Yotes this season. His recovery from a nasty broken leg has been nothing but amazing.
Guenther vs Geekie
If the Seattle Thunderbirds continue with their excellent season (72 points in 46 games) they could face the Winnipeg Ice from the Eastern Conference in the playoffs. Another exceptional draft pick by the Coyotes was taking Conor Geekie at #11 in the draft last year. He is currently tearing it up with 21 goals and 23 assists in 43 games. The potential of two top draft choices facing off against each other will be excellent entertainment for Coyotes’ fans.
Geekie stands 6-foot-4, 197 pounds, and has been averaging 1.02 points per game. Here is another forward the Yotes have drafted who can potentially fit right into their future plans. He may need another year to develop, but both Guenther and Cooley should be ready to go next season.
General Manager Bill Armstrong‘s Building a Winner
Armstrong has been very patient with his young players. Many fans may have written off Keller’s development and complained of the expense of his huge $7.15 million contract. Armstrong knew Keller would get there. He has matured at a steady rate and is at this point their most valuable player. Not only does Armstrong value his young prospects, but he’s also looking to add to that treasure chest by securing additional draft picks for assets other teams may want.
Not every draft pick will become a skilled NHL player, but Dylan Guenther has all the attributes to do just that. His shot is rated accurate and hard. He skates well, and has some NHL experience on his resume. So, look out for Guenther next season, he will be out there doing some amazing things for the Coyotes. The experience he will obtain playing in the postseason in the WHL will only round out his game even more.
Dylan Guenther has a great future in Arizona.
To fill the roster spot, the Coyotes are recalling Jean-Sebastian Dea from the Tucson Roadrunners to the parent club.
More must-reads: