Here is how André Tourigny plans to handle Barrett Hayton's return from injury as he starts practicing with the Coyotes.
Arizona Coyotes forward Barrett Hayton was finally back at practice on Sunday in a non-contact jersey.
Hayton has been out since he suffered an upper-body injury on November 14 in a game against the Dallas Stars, but it looks like his return is set to come very soon.
PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan reported that Hayton should be ready to go for the Coyotes’ Thursday night matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights.
After practice on Sunday, coach André Tourigny talked about how he plans on working Hayton back into the lineup.
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“For me you don’t come back and dip your toe, you get back when you are ready to dive,” Tourigny said. “If you drive an F1 or NASCAR, how is your first race? You go in the back of the line and you follow everybody? It’s a race, you need to win the race or else don’t drive the car if you can’t win the race, so Hayton will be ready to race he will jump in the car and we want him to win the race and that's the way it is for me.
“Today he has a non-contact jersey, he looked good, great. When we will get closer to the deal, we will see how he plays and how he plays and how his performance is…”
Through 16 games this season, Hayton has two goals, two assists and four points while playing an average of 18:37 minutes.
Hayton’s presence is extremely important for this Coyotes team. He is a valuable two-way center as he plays his heart out at both ends of the ice.
Before Arizona’s Thursday night game, Hayton’s injury will certainly be monitored while he continues to practice with the team.