GLENDALE, Az – Things have not changed since the Phoenix Coyotes made their first pick in this year’s draft. Whereas Pro Hockey News went defensive in the 13th pick to add talent to a burgeoning blue line corps, here we look all offense as the Coyotes now have the talent to move from the backline to build more immediately on the forward lines.
Issues of ownership will plague the reigning GM of the year, Don Maloney and the draft is his best way to build for the future and improve his banderol for trade bait.
Shane Doan is and will be for the foreseeable future as the Coyotes’ go-to forward. But late season additions at the trade deadline took some of the strain off Doan’s shoulders going into the post season. The Coyotes set a record for points in a season and lost out only to the San Jose Sharks for the top spot in the west. Small defensive lapses and at times an anemic offense led the Desert Dogs astray against the Detroit Red Wings in their opening round seven game series loss.
With our 13th pock in the draft, Pro Hockey News selected Jarred Tinordi who shows promise and already has NHL-type size. But with the 22nd pick, Pro Hockey News sees nothing but offense in the Coyotes selection.
The common thread between both picks in this year’s mock draft is size. Tinordi is listed at 6’5” and 205 pounds. His draft mate in the 22nd slot is also 6’5” and 190 pounds.
Nick Bjugstad was named Mr. Hockey for his play with the Blaine High School squad this year when he scored 29 goals and 60 points in 25 games. Bjugstad is a power forward with tremendous upside and it remains a mystery how he made it to the 22nd slot in this mock draft.
Bjugstad has size, skill, skating ability, and hard shot to go along with soft hands around the net. If there has been a negative comment it is based on his playing to his competition. 
Craig Larson of International Scouting Servcies was quoted as saying, “This kid is the real deal. He makes plays almost every time he touches the puck. His size and the skill with which he uses his size, makes him a player for the next level. He was able to create time and space for himself all over the offensive zone.”
True to his Minnesota roots, Bjugstad is committed to the University of Minnesota for the coming fall campaign. Division I NCAA hockey will certainly fill out his frame more and provider more incentive to play hard against the weaker competition the Gophers will face. His head coach at Blaine high school said on NHL.com that Bjugstad uses his size to shield the puck from defenders and also has the skill to use the boards to rush the puck and fight for possession in scrums.
As reported by PHN’s Alan Bass , one scout who has followed Bjugstad’s career has been impressed.
“He’s further along and more polished than Blake Wheeler,” a scout said. “He’s also a better skater than David Backes was at the same age. The only difference is Backes was thicker, but the ingredients are there. He wants the puck and wants to make plays. He’s a blue-collar type kid who works his tail off.”
Bjugstad himself recognizes his innate characteristics.
“I know my size helps and my long reach, but I’m going to keep working,” he said. “I’ve always admired guys like Saku Koivu and Joe Thornton — I think I play a similar style to those guys. With my size, I’m more of a power forward so I want to use my body to reach that upper level.”
With the 22nd pick in the draft, the Phoenix Coyotes have an opportunity to extend their depth at the forward position with Minnesota’s reigning Mr Hockey.
With the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Phoenix Coyotes select center Nick Bjugstad of Blaine High School of Minnesota.”
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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