The Arizona Coyotes have convinced one of their interesting college prospects to turn pro, signing Cameron Crotty to a three-year entry-level contract. Crotty recently completed his junior season at Boston University, where he wore an “A” as an alternate captain.
Instead of returning for his senior year, the 20-year old defenseman will join a Coyotes organization that selected him 82nd overall in 2017. While it may not seem like Crotty has very much offensive upside after scoring just 27 points in 102 NCAA games, the 6’3″ defender can actually move the puck quite efficiently and may be able to improve at the next level.
Though the Coyotes already have a solid veteran defensive core in the NHL, four of those reliable names are heading into their final years under contract and are scheduled for unrestricted free agency in 2021. Out of Alex Goligoski, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Jason Demers and Jordan Oesterle there are bound to be some departing names, meaning Arizona will need to find some replacements in the near future. That opportunity may be perfect for Crotty, who needs some more time but has serious NHL potential.
I would say Demers who is more of a journeyman , and Oesterle move on after contract is over.