Glendale, AZ – On Friday, the Phoenix Coyotes acquired defenseman Zbynek Michalek from the Pittsburgh Penguins for defenseman Harrison Ruopp, goaltender Marc Cheverie and a 2012 third-round pick.
Michalek, who played five seasons with the Coyotes from 2005-2010, signed a five-year, $20 million contract with the Penguins after the 2009-10 season.
The Czech defenseman scored two goals and had 11 assists in 62 games last season. He also averaged over 21 minutes on ice for the seventh straight season.
Ruopp, 19, had nine points in 62 games for Prince Albert of the Western Hockey League last season. He also accrued 127 penalty minutes.
Cheverie, 25, has yet to appear in the NHL.
The Penguins acquired the 81st overall pick, which originally belonged to the Philadelphia Flyers.
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