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Our Phoenix Coyotes preseason countdown has reached the number 40. The number 40 is currently assigned to a prospect that has yet to play his first game in the NHL. That prospect is Mark Visentin.
Visentin was drafted 27th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft. Visentin, 20, may be the best goalie prospect in the Coyotes' system. Visentin has played the last three seasons with the Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League. His statistics with Niagara are as follows: (59-46-14) 3.01 GAA .907 save %. While these numbers are not stellar, Visentin has been better in the playoffs (2.82 GAA .922 save %) and has improved each season. Last season was his career best with a record of (30-9-6) and sporting a 2.52 GAA and .917 save %. Visentin lead the Ice Dogs to their first ever Central Division title Eastern Conference championship. The Ice Dogs would ultimately lose to the London Knights in the OHL championship game.
Visentin has also played well for team Canada in the IIHF Under-20 World Championships. Over two trips to the tournament, Visentin is (6-2) with a 1.74 GAA and .933 save %.
The 6'2" goaltender could see significant time with the Coyotes as soon as the 2013-2014 season. It is possible he will make an appearance this upcoming season.