Coyotes recall D Mermis from Tucson after Chychrun’s injury
Apr 4, 2018, 10:34 AM
Arizona Coyotes defenseman Dakota Mermis (43) skates with the puck against Winnipeg Jets left wing Brandon Tanev (13) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
A lower-body injury to Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun suffered Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames has forced Arizona to recall Dakota Mermis from the Tucson Roadrunners on an emergency basis.
Mermis has two goals and 17 assists in 57 games with the Roadrunners this year and has made seven appearances with the Coyotes.
The 24-year-old has taken seven shots and averaged 10:26 minutes on the ice over his seven NHL games this season.
He will provide depth for a team that after Chychrun’s injury was skating with just five healthy defensemen.
RELATED STORIES
Chychrun was injured after being tripped from behind by the Flames’ Michael Frolik, and a source told Arizona Sports’ Craig Morgan that the NHL Player Safety department was looking into the hit.
“I know he’s not a dirty player, but it’s a dirty play,” Arizona coach Rick Tocchet told reporters. “I don’t like it at all. I don’t know how Chych is right now, we’ve got to evaluate him. It’s not good. We’re hoping for the best.”
Hoping @j_chychrun7 is alright after that hit… “That is a dirty garbage play,” @TysonNash. #ARIvsCGY pic.twitter.com/Ty10IZZtoY
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) April 4, 2018
The details and severity of Chychrun’s injury were not relayed by the Coyotes.
Mermis will meet the Coyotes in Vancouver and will be available for a 7 p.m. game Thursday on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
