Arizona Coyotes recall Hill, Bunting and Garland following holiday break
Dec 27, 2018, 1:12 PM
Arizona Coyotes goaltender Adin Hill (31) stops a shot from Nate Thompson, left, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The Arizona Coyotes have recalled goaltender Adin Hill and forwards Michael Bunting and Conor Garland from the Tucson Roadrunners after the trio was sent down just three days ago.
It’s possible the demotion on Christmas Eve for the three waiver-exempt players was just a “paper transaction,” as neither the Coyotes nor the Roadrunners have played a game since before these transactions took place. An exact reason for the moves, though, wasn’t immediately known for certain.
The recall of the three players also comes before the end of the NHL’s holiday roster freeze, which spans from 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 19 to 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 28. During this time, teams are still allowed to recall players from affiliate teams.
Hill has been an important part of the Coyotes this season as both Antti Raanta and Darcy Kuemper have dealt with injuries, though Kuemper has since returned to action. The 22-year-old Hill has started eight games and played in 10, posting a .918 save percentage with a 2.20 goals against average.
Garland has two goals and no assists through nine games in his first season of NHL experience.
Bunting, who also made his NHL debut this season, has played three games and has one goal.
