Arizona Coyotes (originally Winnipeg Jets and later Phoenix Coyotes) have seen many tough times. From bankruptcy to poor management and lost tournaments, the team has been put through a pressure test. However, despite so many shortcomings, the Coyotes team has given the league some amazing players and wins. Here is a list of a few all-time greatest players Arizona Coyotes, along with the Arizona coyotes players stats that make them the best Arizona Coyotes players.
Shane Doan (Playing career: 1995–2017)
The coyote fan base considers Shane Doan to be the greatest Coyote of all time. Born on October 10th, 1976, his association with Arizona Coyote has been a great asset for the team. Right from his rookie year to his retirement, he was with the team. This team captain in 2003-04 didn’t fail to deliver quality and has a huge fan base for multiple reasons. Doan is the most famous for his playing tactics. He can easily tailor the game in such a way that the opponents feel flustered. He is not the one to shy away from challenges and gives every game his 100%. All the teammates looked up to him as the captain. The two-time All-Star has scored 20 plus goals and secured 50 plus points for 11 out of the 12 seasons. He has represented Canada and won 5 medals in the World Championship; he was also a part of the Canadian Winter Olympic team in 2006. During his career, he has displayed excellent sportsmanship and gameplay. In his tenure, he has won many awards, some of which are enlisted below:
- Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy (MVP)1995
- King Clancy Memorial Trophy, 2010
- All-Star Game 2004, 2009, and more
Jeremy Roenick (Playing career: 1988–2009)
Jeremy Roenick proved to be a hero who returned to the ice even after a severe jaw injury. This American forward genius can be best described as a warrior. His swiftness and agility helped him score quick goals whenever he got the chance. He had always put up a great show in front of the audience, who loved the way he glided on the ice. Most years of his play were dedicated to NHL. He has played for Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes, and San Jose Shark. It is no surprise fans often called him Hollywood to appreciate his larger-than-life styles. An all-time fan favorite who led the team in two All-star games, he was added to the Coyote ring of honor in 2012. You cannot list the greatest Coyote players and not include Jeremy.
Oliver Ekman Larsson (2009-2021)
Popularly known as OEL to fans, he is a force to be reckoned with. He was picked in the sixth round of the entry draft pick in 2009 and subsequently signed a contract with Phoenix. In the 2015 season, Larsson scored a lone goal against the New York Islanders. This turned out to be the winning goal of the game. He is also known for scoring five seconds into the third period in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nevertheless, while his efforts are noted both by the fans and the team management, he was traded out in the 2021-22 season. In his place came players Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel, and Loui Erikkson. He has many records to his career, a few of which are:
- He is the defenceman with the most game-winning goals in a single NHL season i.e. 8 goals.
- He is the first Swedish to score more than 20 goals in a single season.
- He also holds the record of most goals of 128 by any defencemen in Arizona Coyotes history
Teppo Numminen (Playing career 1985–2009)
He is a Finnish player and is most known for his quiet demeanor. Teppo knew the game like the back of his hand. He was never overtly physical but knew when to show up and save the game. He has been a model for all Coyote defensemen. Furthermore, he has played 1372 NHL games with 117 goals and 520 assists. He is the longest active player to have not won the Stanley Cup. He retired in 2009 after his successful heart surgery in 2008. The coyotes went ahead and inducted Numminen’s jersey into the Coyote Ring of honor in 2010. A great player who was admired not only by home fans but also all ice hockey fans.
Keith Thachuk (Playing career: 1991–2010)
Again, one of the Fan’s favorite players was best known for his exuding physical presence on the ice. His 18-year career was dedicated to teams Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Atlanta Thrashers, and he finally announced his retirement in 2010. He was not afraid of creating openings for his teammates in front of the opponent’s net to help them score critical goals. He is a five-time all-star player, three of which he played with Phoenix. Furthermore, he scored 52 goals in 1997, leading the NHL. Another great addition to the Coyote ring of Honor, Keith Thachuk, was a force to be reckoned with.
Conclusion
These are some of the best Arizona Coyotes Players. They have given the Coyotes their all strengths and have tried their level best to win the Cup for the Coyotes. Even though they weren’t extremely successful, the Arizona Coyotes player’s stats looked promising and added to the little success the Coyotes made.