The Arizona Coyotes have announced that forward Vinnie Hinostroza will be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The injury occurred in Thursday night’s 4-2 loss at the hands of the Washington Capitals.
Coyotes president of hockey operations John Chayka also said F Vinnie Hinostroza (suffered LBI last night) is week-to-week. The hits keep coming. F Conor Garland could get a chance to play. Best guess: F Michael Bunting is among the potential Tucson recalls.
— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) December 7, 2018
Arizona Coyotes Vinnie Hinostroza Out Week-to-Week
Hinostroza was acquired by the Coyotes on July 12th in a massive seven-player deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks sent the promising young forward to the Coyotes as a reward for taking Marian Hossa‘s contract. The Coyotes also received defenceman Jordan Oesterle and a third-round pick in the deal while sending forward Marcus Kruger back to his former team.
Hinostroza has been enjoying a decent first year in the desert scoring four goals and adding eight assists for 12 points in 27 games.
Over his career, Hinostroza has scored 17 goals and 34 assists for 51 points in 133 games between the Blackhawks and Coyotes.
Hinostroza was originally drafted in the sixth round, 169th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Coyotes Forward Depth to be Tested
With Hinostroza out, the Coyotes forward depth will certainly be tested. The team just recently lost forward Michael Grabner indefinitely after taking a stick to the eye on December 1st in a game against the St. Louis Blues. The Coyotes then recalled forward Conor Garland, who will most likely draw into the lineup with Hinostroza’s injury.
In 18 games with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL, Garland has scored eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 18 games. He has yet to play an NHL game.
Hinostroza will most likely find himself on the injured reserve in the near future to make room for another recall. Michael Bunting looks to be the next candidate in line to be recalled. The 22-year-old forward is enjoying a strong season in the AHL so far with 18 points in 20 games.
The Coyotes will host the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.
