Coyotes Sign Free Agent Defenseman Eriksson

The Phoenix Coyotes have announced that they have signed free agent defenseman Anders Eriksson to a contract. Eriksson did not play in the NHL last season, instead appearing in 64 AHL games with the Quad City Flames, scoring four goals and 45 assists for 49 points and 60 penalty minutes. He has appeared in two games with the Coyotes since the signing, picking up one assist in his first game. In 554 career NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Phoenix Coyotes, he has 22 goals and 150 assists for 172 points. Eriksson had been playing with the Coyotes' AHL affiliate in San Antonio, so he was likely there on a tryout contract. This isn't a bad depth move on defense for the Coyotes. Eriksson's presence on the blueline gives the team another veteran to go along with the likes of Ed Jovanovski, Jim Vandermeer, and Adrian Aucoin. Look for Eriksson to play on the third defensive pairing, chipping in assists here and there throughout the season.