With Jason Zucker’s suspension now over, the Arizona Coyotes had to juggle multiple options of what to do with their roster.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Dylan Guenther and Justin Kirkland have both played for the Coyotes during Zucker’s absence, but with the veteran coming back, it was Kirkland who has been assigned back to the Tuscon Roadrunners (AHL).
ROSTER UPDATE:
The Coyotes have assigned forward Justin Kirkland to the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)
— Arizona Coyotes PR (@AZCoyotesPR) January 11, 2024
Guenther has shined since being recalled last Saturday, scoring twice, recording an assist and being a important figure on the first line power play unit in two games.
So much so, the Coyotes have kept him in the NHL despite his promotion being presumably “short term.”
“You saw the way we used him,” head coach André Tourigny said after the 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins. “I think your actions speak louder than your words. Same thing as a coach, you trust someone and you put them in that position.”
Guenther was off to a blistering start in Tucson with 10 goals and 28 points in 29 games, giving him the nod to represent the Roadrunners in the 2024 AHL All-Star Game.
The Tucson ⭐️s will be out in San Jose 🌵🤩#LetsGoTucson | #AHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/xyl2pVqyIB
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) January 10, 2024
It is unknown as to how long Arizona plans on Guenther to remain in the NHL this season, but for the time being, he will stick with the ‘Yotes.
Zucker was forced to serve a three-game suspension for boarding Florida Panthers F Nick Cousins.
As for Kirkland, he heads down south to Tuscon after having one shot, five hits, and a blocked shot during his two-game stint with Arizona.
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Alec Cipollini is a reporter of the Arizona Coyotes and Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
