Most Likely to Succeed: Phoenix Coyotes

Most likely to Succeed is our newest series which points out one player from every team and explains why that player is poised to increase their point totals. While some teams may have more than one player likely to breakout and some none, we will focus on the ones who actually should improve with a full healthy season. File this article under a sleeper-type but sleepers would not be called that if people saw them coming.

Wojtek Wolski looks like the surest bet to improve his points totals. Last season he hit career marks across the board with 65 points and could come in at around 70 with another full season of consistent play. His 18 points in as many games indicate that coach Dave Tippett did not interfere with his talent and that he meshed with team leader Shane Doan.

With Matthew Lombardi leaving for Nashville, Wolski may actually move back over to center– a move which would probably increase his shots totals. Every statistic increased for the year before as he experienced highs across the line.  The Coyotes signed veteran left wing Ray Whitney which may push the former Colorado Avalanche to a different role and the team still cannot afford to play this guy below the first line, the depth is simply not there.

The former 21st overall pick of the Avs holds a excellent pedigree, experience with talented veterans and the ability to score goals. He was only moved because of his RFA status and need for a raise on a rebuilding team. Make no mistake his ceiling is very high and he can still reach that at age 24.