C. Keller - Does He Stick This Year?

[Rockies & Hockeys]

I've got a keeper draft (first in sig) coming up this weekend, and I'm debating taking Keller really late if he'll stick with the 'Yotes this year. If he doesn't it'll screw me since we only get two pickups/drops all year, but if he has a beast season maybe he could become a keeper for me or at least get traded away next off season for a nice top pick. Last year I drafted Marner and Nylander super late and at the end of the season turned them into Seguin and Kucherov. But I have no idea what his chances are of playing a full season in the NHL this year, so that's why I'm consulting you guys. Thoughts?

P.S. - I'm actually watching him live tonight in Calgary, so maybe that will give me some insight. I see on Daily Faceoff that he's listed as a first line RW. Is that expected to stay that way?

[tweetdrivr]

Yes he does. Nothing more to prove at lower levels. I'd love to hear your thoughts after the game tonight though...
No stock whatsoever in what's going on in the pre-season as far as lines go. But he will be with the big club.

[NikW71]

unless he is dies, is injured or is incarcerated, he will be on the NHL roster all season.

[2014olympicgold]

Keller can make the team, but he'll be 40-55 points this season. Tough to predict what he'll do right now.

Could be Line 1, PP2 guy.

[NikW71]

unless he is dies, is injured or is incarcerated, he will be on the NHL roster all season.

[RizzeeDizzee]

Nothing is guaranteed, but this one seems pretty darn close to being a lock

[Axeman33]

Nothing is guaranteed, but this one seems pretty darn close to being a lock

This is pretty much my thoughts as well. I think the Coyotes are preparing for a full season of Keller in their top six this season.

[sharpp87]

Not only he will stick but he will have over 50 pts
This guy is the real deal

[VincentVega]

Yes, I think he starts in the NHL for sure, at wing, and then it's up to him if he stays. It's a long NHL season. Who's the last college guy to come into the NHL in draft+1 year and play a full season and score 50+ points?

[Belexus75]

lets be bold here!!! : Keller will lead Arizona in points this year!

[Rockies & Hockeys]

Thanks guys! Good to hear it with such strong conviction, haha. If he looks good tonight I think I'll snag him with a late round pick.

[MZac]

Yes I believe he sticks and is my early favorite for the Calder. Hard to know how he fairs and a lot will depend on deployment. He has good upside and is my top rookie pick this year for production followed closely by Hischier. I wouldn't expect more than 55 (although 55-60 wouldn't shock me, I'm just not expecting it) at the most this season but if it comes down to another mid 50's projected player (example palmieri/krejci/nyquist) I probably take a chance on one of these kids. Don't reach too far though as there is inherent risk with rookies.

[Rockies & Hockeys]

Absolutely! Thanks. I wouldn't reach for him at all, but in keepers folks I trade with can be suckers for youth, so even though Keller is unlikely to break into my keepers next year, I'm hoping he can get enough points to be decent, and then I can flip him at some point. Worked for me last year, even though last year it was basically by mistake, haha.

[VincentVega]

Thanks guys! Good to hear it with such strong conviction, haha. If he looks good tonight I think I'll snag him with a late round pick.

I don't think he'll look good tonight at all. In fact, he might be invisible. Plus, I wouldn't base my decision on a single game, anyway.

[Rockies & Hockeys]

I don't think he'll look good tonight at all. In fact, he might be invisible. Plus, I wouldn't base my decision on a single game, anyway.

For sure. I wasn't thinking of drafting him at all, but seeing him pencilled in the top line has me tempted. If it's last round and between him and some old dude that might hit 50 points, I think I'll snag Keller. Who knows though, maybe some other GM is high on him and will take him early. We'll find out Sunday night!