The Arizona Coyotes’ first pick at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft was always going to depend on what the New Jersey Devils did. There are a few top-tier players in this year’s draft, Montréal got theirs, the Devils got theirs, and the Coyotes got theirs with Slovakian forward Juraj Slafkovský.
The Kosice, SVK native, is a highly ranked player. The Athletic’s Corey Pronman had him at number 1 in his May 31st prospect ranking, noting, “Slafkovsky has all the assets you’re looking for in a top NHL forward. He’s a 6-foot-4 winger who can beat opponents with speed and skill.