Coyotes re-sign Robbie Russo to a one-year, two-way deal

Last night it was announced that the Arizona Coyotes have re-signed defenceman Robbie Russo to a one-year, two-way contract.

The 6’ 0” Westmont, Illinois native was initially acquired by the Coyotes last June in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick for the upcoming 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Before coming to Arizona Russo played nineteen games in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings during the 2016-17 season, registering no points and two penalty minutes.

Last season he was briefly recalled by Arizona when the Coyotes’ blue line was decimated by injuries. It looked like he would get the chance to see NHL ice again, but he never suited up and was reassigned back to the Tucson Roadrunners.

With the Roadrunners last season Russo appeared in 67 games and was 6-33-39. He proved to have an offensive touch, and he was ranked seventeenth in points scored by AHL defenseman.

Unless there are significant changes to the Coyotes’ blue line Russo will likely spend most of next season in Tucson again with the Roadrunners. He remains a solid piece of the leadership for the AHL team, and serves as a real option for Arizona if they are bite by the injury bug again.

Russo was initially drafted 95th overall by the New York Islanders in 2011. He has played with the U.S. National Development Team and for Notre Dame for four years. During the 2011 IIHF U18 Championships he captained Team USA to a gold medal, recording a goal and seven assists.