Coyotes trade up for Conor Geekie at 11
The Arizona Coyotes selected Conor Geekie with the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Arizona traded up to acquire Geekie's services, sending the 27th, 34th, and 45th overall picks to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 11 selection.
Conor Geekie
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 190 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Winnipeg (WHL)
Nationality: Canadian
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 24 | 46 | 70 |
(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)
Coveted for his high compete level, confidence, and staggering reach that goes along with his height, Geekie stood out on a talented Winnipeg squad in 2021-22, finishing fourth on the team in points. He tied for second on the squad with six game-winning goals and pitched in three goals and eight assists in 15 playoff contests.
Geekie also dazzled as a rookie in the shortened 2020-21 season and trailed only Connor Bedard for most points by a first-year player with 23 in 24 games.
Despite his towering frame, Geekie is a talented playmaker and passer. He has a knack for making nifty plays and has slick hands that aren't typically associated with a young player of his size and frame.
Geekie has previously likened his game to Edmonton Oilers phenom Leon Draisaitl, noting he sees similarities in their vision and playmaking abilities. He's the younger brother of Seattle Kraken forward Morgan Geekie, who was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft.
NHL Central Scouting slotted Geekie fifth among North American skaters in its final rankings.
What they're saying
"With his hands and reach, (Geekie's) able to consistently maneuver pucks through sticks and legs to create chances," The Athletic's Corey Pronman wrote in late May. "He's a big man who doesn't shy away from physical contact, which, combined with his skill, makes him tough to deal with down low and strip the puck from in general. Geekie can make plays and run a power play, showing good vision and finish from the perimeter."
"He's got a real ability to hang onto the puck, draw players into him, and then facilitate through or around them. ... He's really quite comfortable in control of the puck. Geekie's a legitimate prospect with a desirable set of skills," The Athletic's Scott Wheeler wrote.
Both Pronman and Wheeler said Geekie's skating isn't one of his strengths, but they agree he's a better skater than his brother, Morgan, was at that age.
Tap here to watch some of Geekie's highlights.