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Coyotes assign Michalek to AHL

Mike Smith, Wayne Simmonds, Zbynek Michalek

Arizona Coyotes’ Mike Smith (41) makes a save on a shot by Philadelphia Flyers’ Wayne Simmonds (17) as Coyotes’ Zbynek Michalek (4), of the Czech Republic, defends on the play during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 26, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

AP

The Arizona Coyotes announced today that veteran defenseman Zbynek Michalek has been assigned to AHL Tucson.

Michalek, 33, cleared waivers prior to the start of the season. He was scratched for the Coyotes’ season opener on Saturday, a 4-3 OT win over Philadelphia.

Michalek played 70 games for Arizona last season, but new additions Alex Goligoski, Luke Schenn, Jamie McBain and Jakob Chychrun all played Saturday, as did Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Connor Murphy.

Michalek is in the final year of his contract, which has a cap hit of $3.2 million.

The Coyotes’ next game is Tuesday in Ottawa, the first of a six-game trip. Injured defensemen Michael Stone and Kevin Connauton will reportedly accompany the team. With today’s assignment of Michalek, it’s likely that at least one of them is ready to go.