Zbynek Michalek Is Coming Back To The Coyotes

During the first round of the NHL draft from Pittsburgh, the Coyotes announced that they are bringing back fan favorite and shot blocking phenom Zbynek Michalek from the Penguins. Going to the Pens are: D Harrison Ruopp, G Marc Cheverie, and a 3rd round pick in this years draft.

Marc Cheverie is a 25 year old goalie who is on an expired RFA minor league contract of $62,500 and if he makes the NHL, will make just over $800,000. He played in 9 games for Portland Pirates of the AHL and 22 games for Gwinnett of the ECHL after a three year at University of Denver . Harrison Ruopp was a third round pick from the 2011 draft. A 6’2″ right handed defenseman, Ruopp played from Prince Albert of the WHL.

By moving those two players, the Coyotes take on $4million a year in Z’s salary but get a solid player who is a first line defenseman and one of the league leaders in blocked shots. Z is under contract through the 2014 season. It also makes Michal Roszival expendable. There is no need to sign him at over $5 million a season. Furthermore, you have a veteran presence on the blue line if you want to bring Rundblad, Gormley, or last year’s first round pick Connor Murphy up for some NHL experience.