Keller hoping to have 'an impact right away' with Coyotes

Clayton Keller is set for his first full season in the NHL, and while many rookies usually hope to merely stick with a team, the Arizona Coyotes center is hoping to make his mark immediately.

"Definitely, there's no other option for me. I'm going to play with the big club," Keller said, according to NHL.com's Dave McCarthy. "That's what I worked for all summer, I just have to go out there now and do what I do. I want to have an impact right away. I don't want to just be there to be there. I want to have an impact right away, so that's one of my goals."

Keller got a small taste of the NHL last season when after concluding his first season at Boston University - where he tallied 21 goals and 45 points in 31 contests - he played three games with the Coyotes at the end of the year, chipping in two assists.

While a small sample size, it was valuable for the youngster to get some reps in before the upcoming campaign.

"It was awesome," Keller said. "It was great to play those few games, it really helped me and showed me how hard I had to work this summer. I'm really looking forward to the season."

Keller was drafted seventh overall in 2016 largely because of his incredible offensive prowess. It is for that reason the 19-year-old has been putting a strong focus on the defensive side of his game.

"I think everyone hopes to get faster and stronger," Keller said. "My defensive side of the game, I'm a skilled guy but I need to keep that responsibility up and know that taking care of both sides of the puck is important."

The Coyotes finished with the third-worst record in the Western Conference last season, so having rookies such as Keller providing an immediate impact will be necessary if they hope to challenge for a playoff spot next year.

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