Coyotes coach: 'We have huge expectations' for Guenther
The Arizona Coyotes aren't hesitating to put pressure on forward Dylan Guenther.
"We have huge expectations for Dylan," Coyotes head coach Andre Tourigny said, according to NHL.com's Alan Robinson. "He will be a leader on the team, and a leader of our young generation. We believe he already has our DNA. We want him to be an example for the other guys, the way he conducts himself in the gym, the lunch room, the therapy room, in every meeting, on the ice."
Guenther was selected ninth overall by the Coyotes in the 2021 NHL Draft. Arizona acquired the pick in the trade that sent Oliver Ekman-Larsson to the Vancouver Canucks.
The 20-year-old winger is coming off a highly eventful 2022-23 campaign during which he spent 33 games with the Coyotes and recorded 15 points. The Edmonton native helped Canada win gold at the world juniors, tallying seven goals and three assists in seven games, including the OT winner in the final against Czechia. He also notched 57 points in 39 combined regular season and playoff games with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds, who lost in the Memorial Cup Final.
Guenther believes the experience of playing with multiple teams throughout a season will help his development in the end. However, he's focused on solidifying himself as a full-time NHL player in Arizona next season.
"Absolutely, I want to be here," Guenther said. "I think playing in all those different leagues, all those different situations, playing with and against so many different players, so many good players … it was a lot. It was different, but busy is good."
Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong is counting on Guenther to make strides in his game for 2023-24.
"You'll really see his game get to the next level (now)," Armstrong said. "It's an exciting time for him. You're going to see a lot of growth in him. He's one of those kids that can win in the championships and he doesn't give up much. He's a pretty exciting kid."
The Coyotes improved up front with the additions of Jason Zucker, Alexander Kerfoot, and Nick Bjugstad, but there's still room for Guenther to carve out a featured role for himself.