Coyotes re-sign defenseman Lyubushkin to 1-year deal

The Arizona Coyotes re-signed defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to a one-year contract on Friday. The 25-year-old Moscow native completed his rookie NHL season by playing in 41 games, recording four assists without a goal and a -9 plus/minus rating for the Coyotes.

Known for his physical presence, the 6-foot-2, 201-pound Lyubushkin recorded 150 hits last season, ranking fourth on the Coyotes and third among NHL rookies. "We are pleased to re-sign Ilya," said John Chayka, Coyotes president of hockey operations and general manager. "He was a solid addition to our team last year and provided us with depth and a physical presence on our blueline. We look forward to having him on our roster this season." Lyubushkin had joined the Coyotes on a one-year deal as an undrafted free agent in 2018 after 257 games in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).