RALEIGH, N.C. – The Coyotes were unsuccessful in their bid to facilitate winger Viktor Tikhonov’s return to the NHL from Russia, watching their former draft pick become an unrestricted free agent last summer and sign with the Blackhawks.
But Arizona didn’t have to wait too long for a reunion as the Coyotes claimed Tikhonov off waivers Sunday from the Blackhawks.
“We were concerned about our depth, and Viktor, obviously, we know the player,” General Manager Don Maloney said. “He’s very versatile. He played with elite players in Russia and at the Olympics and the World Championships. He’ll have probably a better opportunity with us to get more regular playing time and the worst-case scenario, we think he’ll be a really good depth addition.