Scout: Jeremy [2023-07-11]
Arizona Coyotes
2021 NHL Entry Draft
1st Round Pick
9th Overall Selection by the Arizona Coyotes
MAIN REPORT
Skating:
Elite. His skating looks significantly better than my viewing last year. He looks like one of the fastest guys on the ice. I would like to see a bit better of a first step, and less reaching on the backcheck, but I don't think it'll hold him back too long.
Puck handling:
Above Average. Good distributing on the Powerplay, nice crisp one-touch passes.
Shot:
Above Average. I remember from last time he had a high-end shot, although this game didn't showcase it.
IQ (vision, offensive and defensive anticipation, panic meter):
The vision is really good, and the defensive awareness is improving.
Defense:
Average. Still likes to reach with his stick instead of moving his feet, and is a tad late on the uptake when possession changes... which combined with his slow first stem is a bit of a concern. I have doubts he'll ever be an all-situations player. This does cap his upside a bit, as he may lose shifts defending leads or be a less-desirable asset unless the offense hits it's top percentile outcome.
Best Asset:
Skating.
Biggest Concern:
Defensive game holding him back.
Top Tier Potential:
Tier 1. Guenther has potential to hit tier 1 on points and shots alone. With the right system and linemates he could be a top-25 or so point scorer in the league. Any amount of hit/block breakout increases his chances of hitting this tier.
Most Likely Tier:
Tier 2. I think the most likely outcome is a 70-75 point player with high shot totals but not a ton of hits/blocks.
Stylistic Comparable:
His shot and PP prowess remind me a bit of Alex DeBrincat, but Guenther is bigger and less tenacious.
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