The team that has been swirling around ownership questions for years holds the 12th selection. Those woes continue, but you can add to that the uncertainty of a lame-duck coach and the starting goalie set to become a UFA.
#12 – PHOENIX COYOTES
Apr. 24, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) celebrates with defenseman Rostislav Klesla (16) after defeating the San Jose Sharks 2-1 at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
TEAM STRENGTHS: Defensive presence
TEAM WEAKNESSES: Franchise uncertainty, UFA questions
HOCKEY’S FUTURE ORGANIZATIONAL PROSPECT RANK: 15th of 30 teams
UNDER CONSIDERATION: Elias Lindholm, Alexander Wennburg, Samuel Morin, Anthony Mantha, Bo Horvat
FANSIDED MOCK DRAFT PICK: Howling Hockey selected Bo Horvat
SENSHOT’S CHOICE: Anthony Mantha form Val D’or Foreurs of the QMJHL. Mantha is a big winger who is already 6’4″, 190 lbs. He will grow into his frame, and also adds offensive upside, with 89 points and a +21 rating in 67 games. The Coyotes have solid prospects on the blue line as well as in net, but they are a little slight on the Wings. Mantha will play, although probably 2 years away.
MOCK DRAFT TO DATE (click on team to view the selection):
| PICK | TEAM | PICK |
| 1 | COLORADO | Seth Jones, Portland (WHL) |
| 2 | FLORIDA | Jonathan Drouin, Halifax (QMJHL) |
| 3 | TAMPA | Nathan MacKinnon, Halifax (QMJHL) |
| 4 | NASHVILLE | Valeri Nichushkin, Chelijabinsk 2 (KHL) |
| 5 | CAROLINA | Darnell Nurse, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) |
| 6 | CALGARY | Sean Monahan, Ottawa (OHL) |
| 7 | EDMONTON | Nikita Zadorov, London (OHL) |
| 8 | BUFFALO | Max Domi, London (OHL) |
| 9 | NEW JERSEY | Alexsander Barkov, Tappera (FIN) |
| 10 | DALLAS | Hunter Shinkaruk, Medicine Hat (WHL) |
| 11 | PHILADELPHIA | Zachary Furcale, Halifax (QMJHL) |
| 12 | PHOENIX | Anthony Mantha, Val D’Or (QMJHL) |