Yotes Notes: Ekman-Larsson questionable for Canucks game

Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (upper body) missed practice on Tuesday in Vancouver, but coach Dave Tippett is still listing him as day-to-day.

“He’s better today, so we’ll see where it is tomorrow,” said Tippett, who called Ekman-Larsson questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Canucks.

Ekman-Larsson was injured in Monday’s loss to Colorado when he appeared to jam his shoulder while fighting for position with Avalanche forward Matt Duchene on a backcheck. Ekman-Larsson grabbed the shoulder and grimaced before he fell to the ice and crashed into the end boards.

He left the ice slumped over while holding his arm immobilized. He went straight to the dressing room and did not return.

VRBATA’S NEAR RETURN

A source said the Coyotes were ready to re-acquire Canucks forward Radim Vrbata at the trade deadline when it became clear they were going to trade Mikkel Boedker.

Had the team not lost five straight before the deadline (and eventually seven straight) to fall off the playoff pace, Vrbata would have been brought in to provide more scoring depth and another veteran presence, but when it became clear the Coyotes were not going to make a playoff push, general manager Don Maloney saw no need to forfeit assets.

It’s no secret Vrbata, 34, loves playing in the Valley. His two-year, $10 million contract with Vancouver expires this summer and he would likely re-sign with the Coyotes for a substantial discount.

It has been a trying season for Vrbata, who returned to the lineup on Monday in Los Angeles after being sidelined since Feb. 21 with a groin injury. After scoring 31 goals last season, and playing at least half the season with the Sedin twins, Vrbata has bounced around lines, rarely playing with the Sedins. Despite that fact, he is generating more scoring chances per 60 minutes than any regular Canucks forward, per war-on-ice.com.

LOOSE PUCKS

— Forward Kyle Chipchura was due to rejoin the team in Vancouver on Tuesday after his wife gave birth to their first child on Monday. Chipchura missed the Coyotes’ loss to Colorado on Monday.

Congratulations to the Chipchura family! They welcomed baby girl Noelle this afternoon and she is perfect. 💗 pic.twitter.com/6aSpaa0nzn

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 8, 2016

— Defenseman Zbynek Michalek practiced on Tuesday after missing Monday’s game in Denver with an upper-body injury.

— Center Martin Hanzal took a maintenance day on Tuesday.

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Coyotes at Canucks

When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Where: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, B.C.

TV: FOX Sports Arizona Plus

Radio: KTAR 92.3 FM

Season series: Canucks lead, 2-1.

Probable goalies: Canucks — Ryan Miller. Coyotes — Louis Domingue.

Injury report: Canucks — F Henrik Sedin (upper body) and D Chris Tanev (upper body) are day to day. Sedin was in Vancouver being evaluated on Monday. F Jannik Hansen (ribs) is likely out another week. F Brandon Sutter (fractured jaw) and D Alexander Edler (fibula fracture) are on IR. Coyotes — D Oliver Ekman-Larsson (upper body) and G Mike Smith (abdominal surgery) are day to day. G Anders Lindback (Achilles) and RW Joe Vitale (concussion symptoms) are out for the season.

Scouting the Canucks: Like the Coyotes, the Canucks’ playoff hops are all but dead. Vancouver is 3-7 in its last 10 games and is tied with Arizona; 10 points off the playoff pace. …

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