After missing the last two games to injury, the timetable of Arizona Coyotes forward Nick Schmaltz returning may be longer than first expected.
Presumed as a short-term setback, Schmaltz was not on the ice for pregame warmups and was ultimately out against the Nashville Predators and Vancouver Canucks.
While inklings of information began coming out that he has been battling an upper-body injury, speculation emerged around the situation as a whole.
When asked after a 3-2 win over the Predators on Jan. 20, Coyotes head coach André Tourigny gave a quick update on Schmaltz’s status.
“Yeah, I don’t think he will be in Monday,” Tourigny said. “It’s day-to-day, maybe day-to-day after that.”
If he were to be out Monday, Schamltz will miss the tilt against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Before suffering this injury, Schmaltz would leave right before the second period concluded on Jan. 16 vs. the Calgary Flames.
He did not return for the remainder of the game, and has not featured in the Coyotes’ lineup since.
This season, Schmaltz had 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points in 42 games, including three goals and three assists in his last eight games.
While the door is not fully shut on him returning Jan. 22, Tourigny’s statement raises the question of if Schmaltz will be playing at Mullett Arena before the NHL All-Star Break or not.
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