The Arizona Coyotes re-assigned center Christian Dvorak to the Tuscon Roadrunners of the American Hockey League. The Roadrunners are the Coyotes affiliate team, and will be where Dvorak will remain and play until further called upon. Dvorak notched three assists in seven games played this season. He was a healthy scratch for one of the Coyotes eight games. This is Dvorak’s first career season in the National Hockey League.
#Coyotes announce they've assigned center Christian Dvorak to the AHL. With no corresponding move announced, roster sits at 22.
— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) October 31, 2016
Arizona Coyotes Re-Assign Christian Dvorak to Tuscon
Christian Dvorak was selected in the second round, 58th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The Coyotes had earlier traded defenceman David Rundblad to the Chicago Blackhawks for the pick. The Coyotes opted to take a flier on Dvorak after his injury plagued 2013-14 OHL season. He remained with the Ontario Hockey League‘s London Green Knights for the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons. During his time with the London Knights, Dvorak scored 93 goals and 137 assists in 145 regular season games. In 28 OHL playoff games, Dvorak scored 19 goals and added 29 assists, including seven goals and five assists in four games en route to a 2016 Memorial Cup victory. Dvorak was part of a line with Matthew Tkachuk and Mitch Marner that was the best in junior hockey last season.
Dvorak is eligible to return to the NHL and will not need to pass through waivers at any point this season, due to his young age and limited career games played. He was considered one of the top prospects in hockey heading into this season, but may need a little more time in the AHL.
His demotion opens the door for fellow Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome to get more ice time. Strome has played in just three of the Coyotes games so far. The team must choose whether they will keep him with the big club or send him back to the Erie Otters prior to him playing nine games.
The Arizona Coyotes stand at 2-6-0 and take on the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday at home.
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