"The Coyotes' top five prospects do not include a forward, and while their elusive search for a high scorer who could rejuvenate the offense continues, General Manager Don Maloney likes how the farm system is shaping up.

"We have to work to bring in more quality prospects in the forward position," Maloney said. "But overall, to build a winner, the prevailing thought is to start with the goaltending and moving forward."

Changes were made in the Coyotes' scouting system, and there will be shift in focus.

"We are looking much harder at college free agents this year," Maloney said. "(Assistant General Manager Brad Treliving) is really directing that approach, so we're searching to try and add to our stable of young players."

For the more-immediate future, however, a solid group of defensemen and a young goaltender who overcame what could have been a devastating setback highlight the system.

The list is headed by Brandon Gormley. At the 2010 draft, no one in the organization thought Gormley would be available at No. 13 and when he was, the Coyotes changed their strategy. Gormley was named the top defenseman at the recent World Junior Championship."