Phoenix Coyotes sign Nathan Oystrick, Dean Arsene and Matt Watkins to one-year contracts –NHL Update
Phoenix Coyotes recruited a backup trio consisting of defenseman and a forward, as they signed Nathan Oystrick, Dean Arsene and Matt Watkins to a one-year contract each of which the specifics were not disclosed by team management. The news came through a
press release on Wednesday.
Nothing big is expected out of this deal other than Phoenix creating a fall-through line-up of players.
According to most analysts, Coyotes are continuing the signing process without being aware of the fact that they still do not have an owner, which could hurt them in the long run.
Defender Nathan Oystrick was drafted 198th overall in round-seven of the 2002 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft by Atlanta Thrashers.
He played his career high season during 2008-2009, participating in 53 games with Atlanta and contributing 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in total.
Oystrick was shifted to Anaheim Ducks the following season and played only three games without making a single point.
During the remainder of the season, he returned to his American Hockey League (AHL) club, Chicago Wolves, and played 43 games for them, potting 23 points (7 goals, 16 assists).
Last season, the Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, native played nine games with St. Louis Blues after signing a one-year contract with them, and registered only three points (1 goal, 2 assists).
Dean Arsene, from Murrayville, British Columbia, Canada, was picked up by Edmonton Oilers for 13 games after playing six consecutive seasons with Hershey Bears in the AHL.
The 30-year-old defender has not scored a single point so far, but puts up impressive penalty time number.
Matt Watkins on the other hand, a 24-year-old right wing also from Regina, was drafted as 160th overall during round-five of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by Dallas, but has still not played a single NHL game.
Watkins continued in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) with University of North Dakota up until 2009 when he joined San Antonio Rampage in the AHL and most recently, Las Vegas Wranglers in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
All three players hope to make their name and show their worth in the NHL next season, which might grant them a more long-term contract later on.
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