The offseason continues to be a building block for the Arizona Coyotes as free agency returns days after the NHL Draft.
With all the needs the Coyotes still must address, the team has traded for key players like defenseman Sean Durzi and re-signed goaltender Connor Ingram ahead of free agency.
The start of free agency has returned to its usual date of July 1 and the Coyotes have already added several players to fill out their roster, including returning players Nick Bjugstad and Troy Stecher.
“For us, those guys coming back to our team, we just love their work ethic. We love them as people and what they bring to the Coyotes,” Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong said. “The character is huge on Stech and Bjugstad. They came to the desert last year and wanted to make a statement and they helped our team get better.”
Here are the signings for the Coyotes.
Alexander Kerfoot joins the offense after signing a two-year contract worth $7 million, PHNX’s Craig Morgan reported.
The veteran forward remained consistent in the lineup for the Toronto Maple Leafs and has played in 263 consecutive games, the ninth-longest streak in the league. He logged 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) and blocked 46 shots, the second most on the team among forwards.
The Coyotes signed Alex Galchenyuk to a one-year, two-way contract.
The forward played in 11 NHL games last season with the Colorado Avalanche, but he did not register a point. He registered 42 points (16 goals, 26 assists) in 42 games with the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League.
In his first stint with the Coyotes in 2018-19, Galchenyuk collected 19 goals and 22 assists. He returned for the 2021-22 campaign, managing six goals and 21 points in 60 games.
Coyotes sign goaltender Matt Villalta
The Coyotes added goaltender Matt Villalta to their organization with a one-year, two-way contract.
The 23-year-old played in 22 games for the Ontario Reign (AHL) last season, posting a 12-8-1 record, a .910 save percentage (SV%), a 2.65 Goals Against Average (GAA), and one Shutout. His save percentage and goals against figures set AHL career-bests.
Nick Bjugstad comes back on a multiyear deal
Several members of last year’s team raved about the locker room and the team’s chemistry. The Coyotes went back and signed key players who were traded from that team, including Nick Bjugstad.
The 6-6 center inked a two-year, $2.1 million deal. per PHNX’s Craig Morgan. Bjugstad spent 59 games with the Coyotes where he revived his game with 23 points (13 goals, 10 assists). He was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers at the deadline where he recorded six points (4 goals, 2 assists) and scored three goals in 12 playoff games.
Jason Zucker signs one-year deal following bounce back season
The Coyotes added more depth after signing winger Jason Zucker to a one-year deal worth $5.3 million, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
“He’s a top two line guy. He’s someone that can play with (Nick) Schmaltzy, (Clayton) Kells, (Matias) Maccelli, (Lawson) Crouse. He can play anywhere and give our coach a lot of different options,” Armstrong said. said.
The 31-year-old scored 27 goals, the second highest of his career, and tallied 48 points in 78 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Troy Stecher returns to the Coyotes
Defenseman Troy Stecher signed a one-year contract worth $1.1 million to return to the Coyotes. per Sportsnet’s Pat Steinberg.
Stecher played 61 games with the Coyotes last season and was traded to the Calgary Flames at the deadline. He totaled 14 points over 81 games last season, including seven assists with the Coyotes.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tracker of NHL free agents joining, returning to Arizona Coyotes