Anthony Duclair and Max Domi on list of promising NHL rookies

The hype surrounding many of the prospects coming up through the Arizona Coyotes system has been high and warranted this off-season.

ESPN recently ranked five prospects among their top-71 in the league earlier this summer.

That list includes this year’s third overall pick Dylan Strome, whose ranked as the seventh best prospect on those rankings. Strome is sure to make a high impact for many years on the Coyotes, it just probably won’t be this year as he’s expected to spend one more season in Juniors.

The next two players on ESPN’s list are Max Domi and Anthony Duclair. Two skaters that are expected to play, and play well this season for the Coyotes.

Last week, the Washington Post named 10 rookies that are ready to make an impact as soon as the puck drops for the 2015-16 season with Domi and Duclair making the list.

Domi, the Coyotes first round selection two years ago, nearly made the team last year and could be a second line forward on Opening Night.

Forward Max Domi, Arizona: The son of former NHL tough guy Tie Domi is in a position to make his professional debut with the rebuilding Coyotes after completing his Canadian junior career with 126 goals and 331 points in 244 games.

ESPN’s 12th ranked prospect put up 102 points as a Captain for the London Knights in Juniors last year.

The rookie is already being thrown in the discussion as a Calder Trophy candidate, which is no small feat considering he will be going against rookies like Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, the number one and two pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Duclair is another guy that could potentially challenge for the Calder along with Domi.

Left wing Anthony Duclair, Arizona: The Coyotes have added another young player in Duclair, who was acquired in the trade that sent defenseman Keith Yandle to the New York Rangers. Duclair had a goal and six assists in 18 games with the Rangers last year.

Despite having already seen NHL time, Duclair is still considered a rookie having not played in 25 career games yet.

The 20-year-old is an offensively gifted player with tremendous puck handling and goal scoring instincts. He was a major coup for General Manager Don Maloney at the trade deadline.

If the duo of Domi and Duclair can quickly play up to their expectations, then the Coyotes could very well be a surprise team in the Western Conference.