from Sarah McLellan of azcentral sports,
In renovating their front-office structure since the season ended, the Coyotes have ushered in a new order that accentuates innovation and teamwork amid a player-first approach.
And although this model emerged only earlier this month when the Coyotes appointed John Chayka as general manager, it’s likely to be put into practice when the team shifts its draft preparation to the NHL scouting combine.
“It’s just about gathering as much information as possible,” Chayka said. “The combine is an opportunity to use that information in conjunction with your scouts’ evaluation to ensure you have the best chance to draft the best player, and so we’re really going to dig in and try to find any little advantage we can to help us make a better decision.”
The combine kicks off Sunday in Buffalo and runs through June 4, giving teams the opportunity to sift through 114 prospects before the draft begins June 24.
Scottsdale’s Auston Matthews and Finnish standouts Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujarvi are among those expected to attend. Players will participate in medical and fitness testing and interviews. The Coyotes plan to bring in a sports psychologist to help elicit a more in-depth profile on the athletes.
“Hopefully through that process we add just another piece to the puzzle of who’s the best Arizona Coyote that can be part of our leadership group,” Chayka said.
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