Arizona Coyotes Young Forward Out Long Term

The injury bug is continuing to hit the Arizona Coyotes. Forward Barrett Hayton is set to have hand surgery and will be out for the next five to eight weeks.

Hayton, the fifth-overall pick of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, has been getting his first prolonged shot at the NHL level this season. In 26 games thus far, he has two goals, six points, and a minus-8 rating. Yet, assuming he returns on schedule, he will still have plenty of time to turn his tough season around.

At this time, it's fair to say that Hayton hasn't developed into that legitimate top-six forward that the Coyotes hoped he would. Yet, practicing patience with him is key, as he's still just 21 years old. Furthermore, with the Coyotes blowing up their roster during the offseason, he also doesn't have the best assistance around him.

It's been a hard week for the Coyotes, as Jay Beagle will also be out for a long period and could miss the rest of the year. At this time, they have a 7-22-3 record and things still could get worse from here for them. Yet, this may not be a bad thing, as it will only heighten their chances of landing a top prospect at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.