The Coyotes announced they’ve assigned defenseman Cameron Crotty to AHL Tucson. The move is Arizona’s third of the day after recalling winger Josh Doan and returning John Leonard to the minors. Their active roster is now at 13 forwards and six defensemen, including injured center Barrett Hayton (lower-body, day-to-day).
Crotty spent less than 24 hours on Arizona’s roster. The Coyotes recalled him under emergency conditions ahead of yesterday’s 4-2 loss to the Stars, entering the lineup and making his NHL debut in place of Josh Brown, who was out with an illness. He posted a -1 rating and recorded four shot attempts in 10:03 of ice time.
Returning him to Tucson today could indicate they expect Brown back for their game against the Blue Jackets tomorrow. Crotty is ineligible to stay on the roster as an emergency recall if six healthy defensemen are available.
The 2017 third-round pick has spent most of his professional career after inking his entry-level contract in 2020. The 24-year-old has nine goals, 29 assists and 38 points in 209 career games with Tucson and is producing at a career-best clip with 3-9–12 in 45 appearances this season.
Shortly before his ELC expired last offseason, Crotty inked a one-year, two-way extension ($775K/$90K/$115K) to remain in the desert. He’ll be an RFA with arbitration eligibility this summer if the Yotes issue him a qualifying offer.