Doan, Guenther, Kesselring among NHL reinforcements back with Tucson Roadrunners for AHL playoff run
The Tucson Roadrunners concluded the regular season with victories in six of their last seven games. However, as they geared up for the 2023-24 Calder Cup Playoffs this week, reinforcements returned to Southern Arizona, adding depth to one of the AHL’s strongest teams.
On Friday, five players who had been with the Arizona Coyotes throughout the NHL’s regular season made their way back to Tucson to bolster the Roadrunners for the playoffs. Among them were defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok and right winger Aku Räty, who returned following recent NHL call-ups. The other three players had spent an extended period with the NHL team.
These additions from the NHL team’s management coincided with the franchise’s hockey operations unit being sold and relocated from the Phoenix area to Utah. Forwards Dylan Guenther and Josh Doan, both AHL All-Star selections, along with defenseman Michael Kesselring, who has been in the NHL since October, were sent to Tucson.
Tucson head coach Steve Potvin emphasized the significance of their presence, stating, “Those guys are here for a purpose. They need to experience playoff hockey and the intensity of meaningful games. It’s part of the organization’s plan to ultimately contend for the Stanley Cup, so we must provide our prospects with opportunities to develop for that eventual goal. They need to understand the intensity of playoff sequences, how to prepare mentally, and how to handle the pressure.”
In the wake of a $1.2 billion deal resulting in the sale of the Arizona Coyotes’ hockey assets and their impending move to Salt Lake City, the potential for a Stanley Cup no longer ties to Phoenix or the Coyotes brand. The team’s new AHL affiliate in Tucson represents a final opportunity for Shane Doan, the first Arizona native to play for the Coyotes, and his teammates to pursue a playoff run in Arizona before the relocation. Despite uncertainties about their future NHL/AHL status due to the Roadrunners’ affiliation with the new Salt Lake City franchise, Doan remains focused on bringing a championship to Arizona hockey.
Having returned to Tucson, Doan, alongside leading scorer Dylan Guenther, with 28 points, and others, is welcomed warmly. Their reintroduction doesn’t seem to unsettle team chemistry, as Coach Jay Potvin expresses confidence in their seamless integration. The addition of center Conor Geekie, a promising talent, excites Doan, who believes Geekie’s attributes will enrich the team’s dynamic.
For Guenther, who had a successful stint with the Coyotes after being called up, returning to Tucson prepared him for the NHL. His positive experience with the Coyotes fuels his anticipation for the upcoming challenges with the Roadrunners.
Similarly, defenseman Kesselring’s return to Tucson from last year’s trade deadline acquisition implies tough decisions for Potvin regarding lineup adjustments. While it’s difficult to sideline players who contributed significantly, Potvin emphasizes the necessity of everyone’s contribution and maintaining a team-focused mindset.
In essence, the influx of prospects and NHL players into Tucson’s lineup signals a shift, demanding a delicate balance between integrating new talent and acknowledging the efforts of existing team members. Potvin stresses the importance of unity and readiness for the challenges ahead as they strive for success in the upcoming games.