To add to the already frustrating 2021-22 season results, the Arizona Coyotes injuries are starting to cause additional pain. Currently, the Desert Dogs have eight players on the injury list. The good news is about half of them are expected to be back by November 18th. With the team reeling from a terrible 1-13-1 start, this can only increase their frustration level going forward.
Arizona Coyotes Injuries Adding to Current Season Challenges
With at least two regular players out for the season due to serious injuries, the hope is that things will improve and players will heal. Both Conor Timmins and Dmitrij Jaskin are gone for the season, which really hurts. Timmins had been playing well, and just seems to have rotten luck with injuries. Jaskin was the victim of a knee-on-knee collision, and it was determined that Mark Borowiecki would not receive any supplemental punishment for the hit.
There will be no supplemental discipline for Mark Borowiecki. After a hearing and a review of all available angles, we have determined that Borowiecki is braced for contact and does not extend or otherwise direct his knee into Jaskin in a way that merits further discipline.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) November 14, 2021
Others who have landed on the now crowded injury list include:
- Goalie Carter Hutton with a lower-body injury out until at least November 16
- Centre Nick Schmaltz with an upper-body injury out until at least November 24
- Centre Ryan Dzingel with an upper-body injury out until at least November 16
- Left-wing Andrew Ladd in COVID-19 protocol out until at least November 18
- Right-wing Christian Fischer with an upper-body injury out until at least November 20
- Left-wing Johan Larsson in COVID-19 protocol out until at least November 16
Reinforcements to the Rescue
With five forwards now not able to play, general manager Bill Armstrong had to do a call out for reinforcements. He recalled forwards (RW) Hudson Fasching (4-G, 6-A), (C) Jan Jenik (4-G, 3-A), and (LW) Ben McCartney 5-G, 1-A) from the AHL affiliate Tucson Roadrunners to help out. This not only helps the Coyotes possess a complete roster, but it will also give these young players some much-needed NHL ice time.
Official: We’ve recalled forwards Hudson Fasching, Jan Jenik and Ben McCartney from the @RoadrunnersAHL. #Yotes
Details: https://t.co/BdUgrNs4GP pic.twitter.com/RQFsc3h1Vj
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 15, 2021
While it’s never ideal to have injuries occur, they happen frequently in the NHL. Adding in COVID-19 has just increased the reason players cannot suit up for a game. The call-ups will give the Coyotes management a look at some AHL players and how well they can fare in the NHL. Jenik, McCartney and Fasching can make a name for themselves depending on how long they are needed. This is why having a supply of players in the AHL is so important when injuries pop up. For the Coyotes, their AHL team is a two-hour drive away making the transition much easier. These three players have got to be excited to be playing in the NHL this week.
Decisions on the Roster Will be Needed
With Hutton due to be back in action soon, the goalie situation will need to be reassessed. Will Hutton stay or will Scott Wedgewood, who has played really well? Hutton’s play before his injury left a lot to be desired. It’s doubtful the team will have three goalies on their roster. With Schmaltz still out for another 10 days, that will include five games that centre Jan Jenik gets to show off his skills. Jenik had two goals in two games last season with the Yotes. He looked good in the pre-season and definitely has a future with the team.
McCartney got into two NHL games recently and made his presence known. He collected seven hits and about 14 minutes of ice time per game. Perhaps his energy and physical play can inspire the Coyotes to get some wins.
Perseverance…
Like any NHL team who is struggling, something needs to spark them into getting things back on track. With injuries added to an already dreadful season, it would be pleasant to see some positives come out of the team soon. Saddled with just a .100 points percentage can’t be something acceptable to players who have pride and are professionals.
Maybe these young prospects can get something going that will result in some positive results. Getting injured players healthy again is certainly very critical going forward.
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