Arizona Coyotes F Nick Schmaltz out 6-8 weeks for upper-body injury

The Arizona Coyotes have already been hit by a significant injury, as forward Nick Schmaltz is out six to eight weeks with an upper-body injury, the team announced Monday.

Schmaltz exited the first period of the Coyotes’ season opener on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins and did not return. He only played for 2:26.

The 26-year-old is one of Arizona’s most important players. Schmaltz had an average time on ice per game of 18:15 last season, the second-highest mark among all Coyotes forwards. He was also second on the team in goals (23) and points (59), both of which were career highs. His 36 assists, also a career-best mark, led the team.

Schmaltz was signed to a seven-year extension by the Coyotes back in March 2019. He currently has three more seasons beyond this year left on the deal, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2027. He is one of six players on the Coyotes roster that is signed through the 2024-25 season.

Arizona originally acquired Schmaltz from the Chicago Blackhawks in November 2018 in exchange for forwards Brendan Perlini and Dylan Strome.

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