Phoenix Coyotes send Henrik Samuelsson back to WHL

Sep 15, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes center Henrik Samuelsson (55) carries the puck as Los Angeles Kings center Dwight King (74) defends during the second period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Last year’s first round pick right winger Henrik Samuelsson will be sent back to the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL as it was announced today by General Manager Don Maloney.

The great thing about this move is that Samuelsson is only 19 years old and will have more time to develop into a young hockey star, when he comes to the NHL. If you remember Seth Jones, who was drafted by the Nashville Predators in this off-season’s NHL Entry Draft also played in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks.

Last season with the Oil Kings, Samuelsson was really productive scoring 80 points and that made him third on the team in points. He also had 97 penalty minutes in 69 games and that was only in the regular season. Samuelsson was also productive in the postseason for the Oil Kings posting 11 goals, eight assists, and 19 points in 22 games.

It just wasn’t Samuelsson’s time to be with the Phoenix Coyotes and that is fine because the Coyotes are now building a history where they are developing young players. For example just look at Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who is only 22 years old but he is becoming a budding star in the NHL.

In 48 games last season, Ekman-Larsson scored three goals to go along with 21 assists, which totaled to 24 points. He also did damage in the AHL as well.