List of Arizona Coyotes draft picks

The Arizona Coyotes were a professional ice hockey team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area who competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) as part of the Central Division in the Western Conference. Looking back, they were originally founded as the Winnipeg Jets in 1972 before joining the NHL in 1979. However, the team struggled financially which led to their relocation to Phoenix in 1996, where they became the Phoenix Coyotes. Nonetheless, ownership issues still persisted which led to another relocation amid many off-field issues. This relocation came in the form of shifting the team to Arizona and later starting a new iteration as the Arizona Coyotes in 2014. Despite garnering a passionate fanbase and notable players, the team struggled with financial stability and arena issues, which ultimately resulted in their deactivation as a team and all their players and staff were moved to Salt Lake City in the form of the Utah Hockey Club, the newest NHL expansion team. The Coyotes might return to the NHL if they can build a new arena in Arizona by 2029.

Arizona Coyotes Draft Picks Year By Year

One of Arizona Coyotes' most famous draft picks is Blake Wheeler who was selected fifth overall in the 2004 NHL Draft. This pick shocked many because Wheeler was ranked much lower on scouting lists. Although Wheeler never played for the Coyotes due to management issues and organizational turmoil, he went on to have a successful career with other teams. Wheeler’s career highlights include becoming the captain of the Winnipeg Jets and contributing the most points by any Coyotes draft pick. Another key draft pick of the Coyotes was Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who was chosen sixth overall in the 2009 NHL Draft and quickly became the cornerstone of the team. Presently, he holds several franchise records for a defenseman, including goals, assists, and points. Keith Yandle, a fourth-round pick in 2005, also stands out as one of the best draft picks of the Coyotes.

The following table looks at Arizona Coyotes' draft picks over the years: