The Arizona Coyotes are getting set for their clash with the reigning Stanley Cup champions in the Vegas Golden Knights tomorrow, but a defenseman who has recovered from an injury will not partake.
Coming off of a lower-body injury, defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok has been sent down to Arizona’s AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners.
Before this news broke out, he was out since Nov. 25 after leaving during a game in Vegas.
Trying to win a puck battle towards the boards, Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault collided with Kolyachonok.
Instantly after the hit, Kolyachonok’s right leg took the brunt of the impact and his face grimaced as he was suffering pain.
The injury timeline was labeled as “week-to-week,” but ended up a little over two months of him being sidelined.
Kolyachonok did practice recently with the Coyotes before the NHL franchise decided to re-assign him to the AHL.
The Belarusian played in 11 games for Arizona this season prior to his injury, posting a goal and two assists.
With Matt Dumba (upper body) reportedly returning soon, it was only a matter of time until the Coyotes had to make a decision on what to do with Kolyachonok.
Arizona faces off with Vegas on Thursday night at 7 p.m. MST.
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