As is evident from this year's playoffs though, successful teams need a pipeline of cheap young players ready to contribute at the NHL level. The Blackhawks, Lightning, Ducks, Capitals, Islanders and others all have the high end young forwards but - just as importantly - have less heralded players they developed contributing too. For every Steven Stamkos or Patrick Kane there is a Tyler Johnson or Brandon Saad.
The Coyotes are often criticized for their forward depth, and it was quite apparent why this year.