Coyotes recall Stone send Runblad to AHL Pirates

The defensive lapses and turnovers have boiled over to force a roster move Monday. Allowing an avg of 5 goals per game meant needed change.

Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have recalled defenseman Michael Stone from the Portland Pirates, the Coyotes American Hockey League affiliate (AHL).

Mar 24, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone (26) steps into the penalty box during the first period against the San Jose Sharks Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Stone has appeared in 33 games with the Pirates this season collecting 6-16-22 and 16 penalty minutes (PIM). Stone ranks tied for second among Pirates’ defensemen in goals and ranks second in assists and points. He leads all Pirate blueliners with five power-play goals.

In 2011-12, the 22-year-old native of Winnipeg, Manitoba recorded 9-13-22 and 24 PIM in 51 games with the Pirates. He also appeared in 13 games with the Coyotes last season, collecting 1-2-3.

Stone was drafted by the Coyotes in the third round (69th overall) in the 2008 Entry Draft. He showed promise last season with the club.

Social media was a buzz of the Coyotes early season struggles. If the people online are talking about it, you would bet the Coyotes brass were as well. The move seemed necessary to solidify the blue line. Loaded with talent Runblad will have to wait for another shot to rejoin the team. Paul Bisonette also seemed to struggle but he dropped the gloves and brought energy.

The Coyotes also reassigned defenseman David Rundblad to Portland. Rundblad appeared in 30 games with the Pirates last season, recording 7-9-16 and 27 PIM.

Coyotes take the ice Wednesday night a 8pm at Jobing.com and look to get into the win column vs the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus has a win and a shootout loss last night vs the Red Wings.