Cam Dineen was called up twice by the Arizona Coyotes last season, the first of which resulted in his NHL debut.
With training camp right around the corner, he’s excited for the opportunity to build upon that success.
Dineen, who appeared in his first NHL game on Nov. 5, was one of 11 Coyotes to debut last season. He recorded seven assists over two separate stints with the big-league club: 14 games from Nov. 5 – Jan. 8 and 20 games from March 19 – April 29.
“It took a little bit to get into a groove, but then that second call-up came around, I think I was a little more ready, and a little more confident,” Dineen said. “It was a good year for me, I took a big step, and I’m just looking to improve from it.”
The 24-year-old defenseman also played with the Tucson Roadrunners last season, recording three goals and 16 assists in 21 AHL games. He signed a one-year, two-way contract in July.
He’s not taking anything for granted.
“I’m pretty realistic and I understand the situation, but for me to have a successful year I think I need to take another step in my development,” Dineen said. “I don’t think I’m done peaking, or becoming my best, and I think I still have some room to grow. Whether it’s making the team out of camp, or getting a call-up, whatever the case is, I want to solidify a spot and keep it in the back of their heads that I’m always an option”
When he was first called up last season, he battled through some nerves with the help of another first-year Coyote, Dysin Mayo, who he was paired with frequently in Tucson. Mayo made his NHL debut on Oct. 21, and ultimately played 67 games with the club last year.
His presence was a welcome familiar face during Dineen’s first stretch with the Coyotes.
“He integrated himself into the lineup right away, and we’ve been really close since we were d-partners for years,” Dineen said of Mayo. “Coming up and just having a face like that around was really good because he helped me get into the mix in the locker room.”
Although Dineen admitted some nerves during his first stint, he still contributed on the scoresheet. He notched four assists over the first 14 games, including a two-assist game in a 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 11.
The second time he was called up, Dineen said he had found a comfort zone of sorts, and his defensive partner, Anton Strålman, made it as easy as possible on him.
“He was great for me and I think he helped a lot of the young guys,” Dineen said. “He’s just a really solid presence back there and gives some good tips and good advice.”
The glimpse he got helped him understand what the day-to-day process of an NHL player entails, and seeing how everyday players like Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz — who are close in age to Dineen — carry themselves gave him a better understanding of what’s needed to play consistently at the next level.
The offseason’s informal skates have also given him the opportunity to skate with other professional players that he doesn’t normally have the chance to play with. Former Roadrunners teammate and current Maple Leaf Michael Bunting was recently in The Valley, and Dineen was able to reconnect and skate with him while he was in town.
Although the New Jersey native cherishes his time back home with friends and family during the offseason, the informal skates prior to training camp at the Ice Den are second to none in terms of helping his development.
“I want this competitive environment,” Dineen said. “Back home it’s a little different because you’re doing your skills, but obviously here it’s all NHL guys on the ice. That’s what I want, that’s what most guys want, and I really enjoy it.”
Should he get the opportunity, Dineen said he hopes he can provide the same type of comfort that his teammates offered him when he first donned a Kachina sweater last year.
“That’s a big part of who I am on and off the ice, is being a good teammate,” Dineen said. “I don’t say too much, but kind of by my actions, showing up every day, working hard, and doing the right thing, I think the guys in Tucson take notice of that.
“Obviously even if I am a call-up or a younger guy on the Coyotes, it’s still important to have that mentality.”
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