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A low-profile throw-in to the deal that sent the highly touted Anthony Duclair to Arizona for Keith Yandle last spring, the 27-year-old Summers never seemed to fulfill the hope the Coyotes had when they selected him in the first round in 2006. Spanning the last five seasons, the Michigan native has logged just two goals, nine points, and a minus-22 rating in 67 career NHL games. While it’s possible Summers could see a handful of games at the NHL level in the upcoming campaign, he serves mostly as organizational depth at AHL Hartford.
Summers played in 21 games for the Coyotes last year as injuries required his depth on the blue line. While he lacks the offensive prowess of Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Keith Yandle, Summers is a strong, stay-at-home defender who will likely continue in a similar role for the 'Yotes this year, especially with the departure of Adrian Aucoin and Michal Rozsival. Summers will need to work on his consistency at the NHL level, but he figures to have a strong chance of cracking the roster out of training camp.
Summers saw action in two games with the Coyotes last season, skating to a minus-3 rating and tallying four PIMs. In the event that he's called up due to blue line injuries, his only fantasy relevance would likely be generated by sin bin minutes.
Summers spent his 2009-10 with Michigan and played a solid defensive game. He recorded 17 points (4G 13A) with a plus-17 in 41 games played. He is a typical stay-at-home defenseman that has the ability to read plays and react accordingly. Summers adds another layer to his game with his ability to play forward. If he has an outstanding training camp, he could sneak in as a seventh defenseman, but he might be better served with a year in the AHL so that he can see more playing time.
Summers will captain the University of Michigan this winter for his senior year in Ann Arbor. That is a testament to the character and ability of Summers. Michigan is loaded this year, yet legendary coach Red Berenson gave Summers the c. Summers was the Phoenix's first round pick in 2006, so once the college season finishes, Summers has a good chance to play a few games in the AHL to get his first taste of professional hockey.