ARIZONA COYOTES
Coyotes’ draftee Conor Geekie sets goal to make impact in 1st season
Forward Conor Geekie has his eyes set on training camp to return to the ice healthy and make a statement.
The Arizona Coyotes traded up during the 2022 NHL Entry Draft to take Geekie at No. 11, who believes he can make the jump to the NHL in Year 1 with the organization.
“Every kid dreams to play in the NHL at 18, I think that’s definitely a great goal to have,” Geekie told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Tuesday. “I want to be ready, I want to make an impact. I definitely think I could do it this year. I’m not going to tell anyone that I’m going to make it instantly, but I’m going to try my hardest to make an impact at camp and show everyone what I’ve got.”
He is working his way back from a lower-body injury he sustained during Development Camp in order to do so. Geekie said the injury is not serious and should not affect his upcoming season.
The 18-year-old told reporters he’s still working out his upper body to stay ready.
He said he got a lot out of the 45 minutes he was on the ice for and has a day-to-day mindset on getting healthy.
“It’s one of those things where with the organization and the medical staff and everyone that’s on my side, it’s pretty easy to make a full recovery,” Geekie said. “Everything’s going good.”
Geekie is a bigger player at 6-foot-4 but said he is good for more than finishing hits. He describes himself as a creative playmaker on the ice, saying his hockey IQ and vision will make him an asset on offense.
“Being a bigger guy, definitely can throw the odd hit but I’m not gonna sit here and tell people that’s all I do,” Geekie said.
“He is a big, skilled, two-way center with good vision and a strong hockey IQ,” general manager Bill Armstrong said in a statement Monday. “We look forward to watching his development.”
Geekie was the second selection made by Arizona on draft night.
The Coyotes took forward Logan Cooley third overall, and he will play a season at Minnesota before looking to reach the NHL in 2023-24.
Geekie signed a three-year entry-level contract on Monday.
