Utah's Vladislav Kolyachonok Placed on Waivers

**Update: Defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok has been claimed by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 9. Originally, Utah hoped that it could have him join the Tuscon Roadrunners, its affiliate team. With the pickup, he becomes the youngest defenseman on Pittsburgh's line up. 

Defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok was placed on waivers on Feb. 8, midway through Utah's game against the Carolina Hurricanes. The move was made to assign him to the Tucson Roadrunners for further development.

Kolyachonok has appeared in 23 games for Utah this year but has been a healthy scratch in recent games. The 2019 second-round pick last played for Utah on Jan. 8 in the 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers.

His two goals and five points on the season is the most he has had throughout his career so far.

With Utah defenseman John Marino becoming healthy and the emergence of defenseman Nick DeSimone, who Utah picked up from waivers from the New Jersey Devils back in January, Utah hasn't need Kolyachonok to play.

With Mikhail Sergachev out for five games, DeSimone was given his first real opportunity and capitalized on it with a two-assist game in a win against the Minnesota Wild. While he has yet to score, his defensive play was essential for Utah as the team dealt with significant injury issues on the defense.

Even with both Sergachev and John Marino healthy, DeSimone has remained on the third line, paired with Olli Määttä, even earning the spot over Juuso Valimäki, who has previously played 43 games for Utah. He has not played since Sergachev's return.

Being assigned could be beneficial for Kolyachonok. Just look at the recent success Utah's Josh Doan has had after briefly playing for the Roadrunners this year. Kolyachonok could experience something similar if Utah adds him back to the roster.

But what thoughts do you have on the situation? Do you think Kolyachonok will be back on Utah HC this season? Let me know down below.