Arizona Coyotes call up promising defenceman Kyle Capobianco
With the All-Star break coming to an end, the Arizona Coyotes announced that defenceman Kyle Capobianco has been recalled from the minors.
The Arizona Coyotes are back in action tomorrow when they travel to face divisional rivals the San Jose Sharks and Kyle Capobianco could make his seasonal debut.
The 21-year-old blueliner has been in fine form for the Coyotes’ AHL affiliates, the Tucson Roadrunners, helping to guide the team to a strong third place in the Pacific Division.
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The Roadrunners are just one point behind the second-placed Bakersfield Condors, with a 23-13-4 record, but have played two games fewer than the Edmonton Oilers affiliates.
Capobianco, meanwhile, leads the team in total points with 32 (seven goals and 25 assists), good numbers for a defenceman.
The former Sudbury Wolves captain has impressed since making the step up to the pros, registering nine goals and 62 total points in 93 regular season appearances for the Roadrunners.
Capobianco, who was a third round (63rd overall) selection in the 2015 draft, made his NHL debut for the Coyotes last season, playing just over 13 minutes in a 6-1 thrashing by the Boston Bruins.
With another year under his belt in the AHL, Capobianco could be looking to push into the NHL team full-time, something that won’t be easy considering the team’s strong defensive depth.
The Arizona Coyotes will be hoping to continue their strong recent run of form after the break, holding a 6-2-2 record over their past ten games.
Capobianco will now have an opportunity to practice with Rick Tocchet‘s team, helping him to continue his impressive development – with very few third-round draft picks looking as solid so early in their career.
The 6-foot-1, 196lbs left-hander could provide the team with some good size along the blueline and might even find himself included in a rotation as the team’s schedule begins to get busy in the final stretch towards the post-season.
Capobianco may not feature often for Tocchet’s side, but the call-up for the AHL All-Star could be the first steps towards him making a move up into the NHL.
What do you think of Capobianco’s call-up? Are you pleased to see how he is developing in the minors? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!