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The Arizona Coyotes have acquired right-handed defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson from the Chicago Blackhawks for Connor Murphy and Laurent Dauphin.
OFFICIAL: #Coyotes Acquire Hjalmarsson from Chicago for Murphy, Dauphin | Visit https://t.co/9Lq05sOvh3 for details pic.twitter.com/9RPT9LSjS6
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 23, 2017
Niklas Hjalmarsson is no stranger to what may be his new defensive partner Oliver Ekman-Larsson, as they have played together at the World Cup of Hockey and other international tournaments for Team Sweden.
Coyotes GM John Chayka said he views Nik Hjalmarsson as Oliver Ekman-Larsson's top-pairing partner. https://t.co/IncEJMD9OM
— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) June 23, 2017
Niklas Hjalmarsson is known for his shot-blocking abilities and stay-at-home defensive style. While Hjalmarsson can play both sides, he mostly played on the right for Chicago, making him a good option to pair with Ekman-Larsson on the top pairing, which Coyotes GM John Chayka confirmed he sees as the plan moving forward to Craig Morgan of AZ Sports.
Last year, at the age of 29, he played 73 games with 5 goals and 13 assists for 18 points. He is not a point producing defenseman, please keep that in mind.
#Coyotes G.M. John Chayka on Niklas Hjalmarsson | MORE https://t.co/06OfH3khNY pic.twitter.com/e9UFx87YwL
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 23, 2017
We will update this story as it develops.
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