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With their second pick of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the Arizona Coyotes drafted Carson Bantle 142nd overall.
"He's gonna be a coach's dream."
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) October 7, 2020
Meet your newest Coyote, Carson Bantle! pic.twitter.com/Ux6IkW8nsx
The Onalaska, WI Native spent his past two seasons with the Madison Capitols in the USHL and wore an “A” this past season.
In 111 USHL games, he has 30 goals and 39 points, after doubling his goals and assists between his first and second years. Last season he lead his team in points (49) and assists (29) and was second in goals (20).
Bantle is currently committed to play with Michigan Tech University in the NCAA for the upcoming season.
EliteProspects did sing the praises of Bantle, noting “[h]is dexterity and puck control allowed him to slice through NTDP defenders with shocking ease.”
Bantle’s biggest asset right off the bat is his size. He is listed at 6’4” 201 pounds, and won’t need to grow much. Size isn’t the most important thing for a drafted prospect, but it can make adjusting to a more physical game.
The Coyotes have a lot of needs moving forwards, but a consistent need has been offense. It’s not realistic to think that Bantle is going to provide an immediate upgrade, but a few years down the line he will hopefully develop into an offensive player.