Regardless of how long he sticks with the team, Ilya Lyubushkin seems to be fitting right in with the Coyotes.
The Russian defenseman was signed out of his country’s top professional league this offseason to give the Coyotes some depth on the blue line as well as bolster their right-handed options at the position. But Lyubushkin, 24, won a job on the NHL roster out of training camp and has continued to impress his teammates and coaches.
Lyubushkin made his NHL debut in Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the Anaheim Ducks at Gila River Arena. He looked a bit wobbly in the first period, but appeared to right the ship as the minutes wore on.