Big news for the Arizona Coyotes, as it is expected Swedish defenceman Niklas Hjalmarsson will suit up for their game Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hjalmarsson, who is in his 13th NHL season, has been out since October 12th after he sustained a cracked left fibula from blocking a shot.
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Hjalmarsson's return is crucial for the Coyotes, as they have been hit hard with injuries this season. Back in December, their starting goaltender Darcy Kuemper was hurt in a game versus the Minnesota Wild. To make matters even worse, back up Antti Raanta has been hurt on and off all year, forcing the Coyotes to start the third man on the depth chart, Adin Hill. Due to the injuries, the Coyotes have struggled as of late, managing to go just 5-5-0 over their last ten games.
Things could soon be turning around for the Coyotes, however. Not only is Hjalmarsson playing today, but Kuemper also recently said he expects to return to the crease around the All Star game. The Coyotes managed to stay afloat with some of these key injuries, as they still sit second place in the Pacific Division with a 25-18-4 record.
Hjalmarsson, 32, is in the first year of a two-year deal that pays him five million per season. In just four games this season, he has registered one goal. Although not as offensively gifted as some defenceman, Hjalmarsson more than makes up for that with his ability to block shots and all around solid defensive play. He also brings great veteran experience for some of Arizona's younger players, as he won three Stanley Cups during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks.
