Coyotes trade Jordan Martinook for Marcus Kruger

The Arizona Coyotes made their first trade of the offseason, trading Jordan Martinook and a 2018 fourth round pick to the Carolina Hurricanes for Marcus Kruger and a 2018 third round pick.

Martinook was originally drafted by the then Phoenix Coyotes 58th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. After two full seasons with the Coyotes AHL affiliate Portland Pirates, Martinook ended up splitting the 2014-15 season with the Pirates and Coyotes. While Martinook was never an offensive threat he was a defensively responsible bottom six player and his hard work on the ice made him a fan favorite.

Martinook has one more year left in a 2 year $3.6 million contract. In 247 games with the Arizona Coyotes Martinook registered 26 goals and 39 assists. His biggest offensive season was the 2016-17 season where he recorded 11 goals and 14 assists.

Marcus Kruger was drafted 149th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2009 Entry Draft. After two seasons in Sweden he joined the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2010-11 season. Kruger eventually ended up signing a three year $9.25 million dollar contract on March 2016 with the Blackhawks, despite never cracking 10 goals in a season.

Kruger would ultimately be traded to the Vegas Golden Knights for future considerations on July 2, 2017. Kruger never suited up for the Golden Knights as they traded him two days later on July 4th for a 5th round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Kruger played 48 games with the Hurricanes last season recording 1 goal and 5 assists. During the season he was demoted to the AHL and the Charlotte Checkers, and in 19 games he scored 4 goals and 4 assists.