Coyotes defenseman rumored to join KHL team after relocation to Utah

Since the Coyotes relocation to Salt Lake City was confirmed, rumors about players wanting to leave the team have emerged. Now it appears as though one defenseman will be leaving the organization for good.

The player involved is Czech defenseman prospect Patrik Koch. The 27-year-old signed a one-year, entry-level deal with the Coyotes last offseason.


He had spent the previous three seasons playing in the Czech pro league. He got into just one game with the Coyotes this year a contest on March 7th that turned into a 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild.



He spent the rest of the season with the Tucson roadrunners where he put up a goal and 15 points in 62 games as well as 97 penalty minutes. According to rumors that have popped up online today, the blueliner may very well be taking his talents to the KHL next season.



For the Coyotes, losing Koch probably won't affect them much. However, this could be the first of many players who will chose not to re-sign with the team. Relocation will certainly be something everyone on the team will have to consider when deciding where they want to play next season.

Source: MarkerzoneNews
First Coyotes player set to abandon the team ahead of relocation