Arizona Coyotes defenseman Patrik Koch ditches team before relocation

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Hunter Bowman
April 16, 2024 (11:48 PM)

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Ever since word got out about the Coyotes' impending move to Salt Lake City, there's been plenty of talk about players possibly jumping ship. It looks like those departures are starting, as defenseman Patrik Koch is reportedly set to sign with a team in the KHL.

Koch came on board with the Coyotes last summer, snagging a one-year, entry-level contract as a European free agent after going undrafted in the NHL. With his contract up at season's end, he was on track to hit unrestricted free agency.

Patrik Koch #Yotes
$847.5k x 1 year entry-level

Breakdown:
$775k + $72.5k SB ($75k minors)

UFA on expiry

His stint with the organization included most of the season down in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners, and just a brief appearance in the NHL, just one game last month where he clocked in around ten minutes of ice time and racked up 10 penalty minutes, but didn't manage to leave a mark on the score sheet.

Welcome to The National, Patrik Koch.

This solo lap is yours!

Recently, buzz has been building online about Koch's potential move to the KHL. Given the current turbulence surrounding the Coyotes, it's hardly shocking that he might look to continue his career back in Europe, particularly since he didn't really get a solid shot in the NHL.

#KHL rumor just popped up
#NHL #Yotes Patrik Koch --> #KHL

While we're still waiting for official confirmation, all signs point to Koch's brief NHL tenure coming to an end.

Source: Hockeypatrol
Coyotes defenseman abandons team before the relocation