Arizona Coyotes could have huge injury boost after the All-Star week
By James Reeve
The Arizona Coyotes have had well-documented injury issues this season, but they could have two players potentially practising again after the All-Star week.
Arizona Coyotes forwards Christian Dvorak and Brad Richardson have both missed extended periods of time due to injury this season.
Dvorak started the season on injured reserve and it looked like he would miss the entire 2018/19 season after recovering from surgery to correct a pectoral injury.
John Chayka said on @DougandWolf987 this morning that Brad Richardson and Christian Dvorak are hopefully getting close to practicing after the All-Star break, but no expectations yet.
— Matt Layman (@mattjlayman) January 25, 2019
Richardson, meanwhile, was a key piece to the Coyotes’ roster and had contributed 11 goals and 16 total points in 40 appearances – an improvement on the 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 76 regular season games in 2017/18.
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Rick Tocchet‘s team has had to juggle lines throughout the season, losing so many key pieces, but have managed to find a rhythm that has them sitting just two points outside of the wildcard spots.
Now, per general manager John Chayka, speaking to Arizona 98.7 FM’s Doug and Wolf, the team could see both Dvorak and Richardson return to practice with the team, though there are still no expectations with either.
Prior to suffering his injury, Dvorak had registered back-to-back 15 goal seasons since entering the NHL in 2016.
The Coyotes have had patches this season where goals have been difficult to come by, but have improved over their past few games.
Adding a player to the final chunk of the season that isn’t shy in front of goal will be a big boost to Tocchet, who is doing wonders with very few options.
Richardson is also one of the team’s best assets on the defensive side of the ice, starting in the offensive zone just 32.1% of the time this season.
While the Arizona Coyotes are performing at an impressive rate, especially over their past ten games (6-2-2), having a full and healthy roster would be the more ideal situation.
While neither player will return to game action soon, it will be a positive step for them to return to practices with the team.
Next. All-Star break ideal for Arizona Coyotes. dark
What do you think Coyotes fans? Are you pleased to hear that Dvorak and Richardson could potentially return sooner rather than later? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!