Let’s Recall Hodgman (Poll)

Numerous players have been shipped between Arizona and Portland these past couple of weeks as the Coyotes have been trying to figure out a solution to their scoring problem. We have seen Jordan Martinook, Alex Bolduc, Brandon Gormley, Andrew Campbell, and Tobias Rieder as the new faces to lace up for the Coyotes thus far. However, Rieder is the only guy that has solidified a consistent spot on the NHL roster with Gormley developing right behind him. There is one guy that we saw early on this season though that I would like to see again in Arizona soon.

Justin Hodgman

Remember him? The former KHL player was called up from the Portland Pirates on October 24th and suited up in his first NHL game the following day against the Panthers. In case you forgot about Hodgman’s debut, here is a refresher:

That’s right, Hodgman scored his first NHL goal in his NHL debut. Justin Hodgman only had a brief stint with the Coyotes that lasted a span of four games where the Arizona Coyotes went 2-2-0. Hodgman averaged about 11:12 on the ice as a contributing fourth liner. Justin Hodgman happens to lead the NHL in shooting percentage with 50% as well. While he only has taken two shots, it is nice to have an Arizona Coyotes player lead the league in any sort of category. As a center, Hodgman has posted a 55.3% face-off win percentage that truly helps out his line. With the Portland Pirates, Hodgman has scored six goals and recorded five assists through twenty one games.

Oct 30, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (1) makes a save against Arizona Coyotes center Justin Hodgman (12) in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona currently has six centers on the roster so playing him at a wing would be more ideal for this team. If Alex Bolduc does not perform at the level Dave Tippett expects, he should be sent back down for Justin Hodgman. Bolduc has yet to register a point in a Coyotes sweater through sixteen games but that may change soon with his recent recall. B.J. Crombeen is another guy who has been very quiet on the team at right wing with only two points through twenty five games in Arizona. Sitting Crombeen for Hodgman can also be thrown out there as a possibility.

The Coyotes need to find a solution to their problems on the ice and number twelve may be the answer. Tobias Rieder has shown the Coyotes that he can be compete at the next level and I believe that Justin Hodgman can too.

Let’s give the kid another shot.