Looking for a hockey advantage in the heart of the desert, the Coyotes are the latest team to turn to analytics in hopes of creating the perfect mix of scouting and talent.
According to TSN, the Coyotes have hired 25-year-old analytics guru John Chayka as an assistant general manager.
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Chayka is a co-founder of Stathletes, a small business that provides in-depth analysis on the performance of hockey players to the tune of nearly 40,000 data points per game. Based on their data, coaches can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their players more so than the naked eye.
One of the worst teams in the NHL this season, the Coyotes (24-50-8) need all the help they can get as they ranked near the bottom in losses, goals against per game, and penalty kill percentage.
Other teams have made similar hires hoping to use analytics to help get them out of losing seasons. Last July, the Maple Leafs hired Kyle Dubas, founder of extraskater.com, as their assistant general manager. A month later, the Oilers hired former analytics blogger Tyler Dellow to a position in their front office. The Hurricanes and Devils also have analytics experts on staff.