Arizona Coyotes Recall Tyler Gaudet From AHL With Boyd Gordon Injured
The Arizona Coyotes recalled center Tyler Gaudet from their AHL affiliate in Springfield to fill in for the injured Boyd Gordon.
The Arizona Coyotes suffered a blow to their playoff aspirations last Thursday when Boyd Gordon went out with injury after blocking a shot against the LA Kings.
Today they announced they would be recalling Tyler Gaudet to fill his shoes.
Here’s the Coyotes’ press release:
"Arizona Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have recalled forward Tyler Gaudet from the Springfield Falcons, the club’s American Hockey League affiliate (AHL). The 22-year-old Gaudet has averaged 12:37 of ice time and registered an assist in five games with the Coyotes this season. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound native of Hamilton, ON has totalled 1-6-7 with 19 penalty minutes (PIM) in 26 games with Springfield. Gaudet signed with the Coyotes as a free agent on Nov. 4, 2013."
While I had expected the return of AHL veteran All-Star Dustin Jeffrey, it looks like the Coyotes ultimately decided to go with the bigger, stronger option in Gaudet.
One very important difference to note between the two beyond the size is the fact that Gaudet actually drove production in limited minutes with the Arizona Coyotes earlier this season.
Tyler Gaudet has a 5v5 Corsi For percentage of 59.5%. That mark is the highest on the team for any Coyotes skater who has skated at least five games with the club in 2015-16. While you would expect that number to regress, it’s promising that the coaches seem to know how to utilize the 22-year-old and the competition he faces.
Dustin Jeffrey’s numbers are not so hot, however. He has an absolutely atrocious 5v5 Corsi For percentage of 36.9% through seven games this season which could be indicative of a player often playing over his head in the NHL.
By way of comparison, Boyd Gordon’s 5v5 Corsi For percentage is the second lowest of any regular in the Arizona Coyotes’ lineup at 43.4%. That’s…not good despite his defensive acumen and it’s certainly an area Gaudet will improve upon.
The uphill battle the Coyotes face with Anaheim finding it’s footing is disheartening, but the final bell has yet to be tolled.
If the younger Gaudet can contribute to the Coyotes’ greatest failing – an inability to possess the puck for any real length of time – he may be just what the doctor ordered to help get this team back on the playoff path late in the season.