The Phoenix Coyotes turned heads a bit when they sent embattled forward Wojtek Wolski to the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Michal Rozsival. Wolski, 24, came to Phoenix in a trade that sent Peter Mueller to the Colorado Avalanche at last year's trade deadline. The Polish forward signed a two-year deal to stay in Phoenix this past offseason.
Wolski had been struggling through the majority of the season for the Coyotes, posting just 16 points in 36 games. He had 18 in just 18 games for Phoenix after the trade last season.
In exchange for Wolski, the Coyotes receive defenseman Michal Rozsival. Rozsival was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, but had been with New York since the '05-'06 season.
Coyotes general manager Dan Maloney, familiar with Rozsival from his time in New York, spoke highly of Rozsival, describing him as "intelligent" and noting his ability to move the puck. Rozsival was third on the Rangers in ice time.
The Coyotes kick off their first of back-to-back games in the Midwest against the St. Louis Blues on Monday.
For more discussion on the trade, visit Coyotes Blog Five for Howling.