Edmonton Oilers GM Search: The History Of Keith Gretzky

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DETROIT – FEBRUARY 4: Head Coach Wayne Gretzky of the Phoenix Coyotes looks on from the bench area during the NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on February 4, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Red Wings defeated the Coyotes 5-4. (Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images) /

Arizona Coyotes – Director of Scouting

After working as a scout in the organization since 2001, Keith got promoted to Director of Amateur Scouting with the Coyotes in 2006.

So during his time in this role let’s have a look at his drafting record. Not that he had a final decision on each of these players being drafted, but as Director of Amateur Scouting, he would have had a huge say in any decision being made on the draft floor.

2007

Gems: Kyle Turris (1st round), Scott Darling (7th round)
Busts: 5

2008

Gems (ish): Mikkel Boedker (1st round), Michael Stone (3rd round)
Busts: 6

2009

Gems: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (1st round)
Busts: 5

2010

Gems (not really): Oscar Lindberg (2nd round), Loius Domingue (5th round)
Busts: 3 –> (Brandon Gormley, 1st round)

2011

Gems: Connor Murphy (1st round)
Busts: 7

In five drafts we can give him credit with finding 5 impactful NHL roster players, and has only one that remains with the franchise. Not a terrible result, but it’s not a group that could really excite anyone, and is definitely not the kind of drafting that is going to win a team a Stanley Cup.

Should also mention that the Coyotes draft record significantly improved after Gretzky left the organization. Finding players like Jordan Martinook, Max Domi, Brendan Perlini, Christian Dvorak, Dylan Strome, Jacob Chychrun, and Clayton Keller in the next 5 drafts since Gretzky left.

That list is a lot stronger than the finds made when Keith was in the Coyotes organization.

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