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Keller debut garners praise from coach Tippett

Coyotes Blues Hockey

Arizona Coyotes’ Clayton Keller (14) handles the puck as St. Louis Blues’ Jaden Schwartz watches during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, March 27, 2017, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

AP

Clayton Keller didn’t score -- in fact, he didn’t even register a shot -- but his NHL debut last night in St. Louis garnered high praise from Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett.

“He looks like a good player,” Tippett said, per the Arizona Republic. “He’s got good skill. He’s certainly not worried about getting into any confrontations. He plays hard along the wall. He’s not a big guy, but he competes hard. He looks like a hockey player. He’s got great hockey sense. You watch how he manages a game between line changes, just managing the puck, it was a good start for him.”

The Coyotes lost the game, 4-1, but Keller finished with an even rating in 12:21 of even-strength action. The 18-year-old also logged 1:48 on the power play.

Keller grew up in suburban St. Louis, so debuting against the Blues at Scottrade Center was doubly special.

“It’s pretty cool growing up coming to games here,” he said. “It was really special to have the first one here.”

Related: Coyotes ready for prized prospect Keller to go pro