Coyotes, Blueger, and Beauvillier: Exciting Updates from the West Notes

The Arizona Coyotes have made their latest roster moves, recalling defensemen Michael Kesselring and Vladislav Kolyachonok. Both players saw action in the NHL last season and have been brought back to bolster the Coyotes’ defensive depth.

This decision comes as the Coyotes are dealing with injuries to several of their defensemen. Head coach André Tourigny confirmed that some players were injured in a recent preseason game against the Anaheim Ducks. By bringing up Kesselring and Kolyachonok, the Coyotes have increased their options and flexibility as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season.

Arizona must submit their final roster, consisting of no more than 23 players, by tomorrow’s deadline. It is possible that the Coyotes plan to carry more defensemen to account for the uncertainty surrounding the availability of their injured players. With Kesselring and Kolyachonok now on the active roster, the Coyotes have ten defensemen, so it is likely that one of them will be sent back to the AHL Tucson in the near future.

In other news from the Western Conference:

• Teddy Blueger of the Vancouver Canucks is currently sidelined with an undisclosed bruise. The forward’s status is day-to-day, and the team is taking precautions to avoid further aggravating the injury. Blueger is expected to make his Vancouver debut in the season opener against the Edmonton Oilers.
• Anthony Beauvillier, also from the Canucks, is dealing with the flu and is currently absent from practice. His availability for the season opener on Wednesday is uncertain. The Canucks are considering roster changes to maximize the relief they can get from defenseman Tucker Poolman’s contract, and they will need more clarity on Beauvillier’s status before making any corresponding recalls from the AHL Abbotsford.