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Kevin Connauton News
The Avalanche have acquired Kevin Connauton and a 2020 third-round pick from the Coyotes for Carl Soderberg.

Connauton appeared in 50 games with Arizona last season, posting just one goal and seven assists (eight points). The blueline is crowded right now in Colorado, so look for Connauton to serve as the No.6/7 defenseman for most of the 2020 campaign.

Kevin Connauton
Connauton (illness) is probable to return to the Coyotes lineup on Monday.

Connauton has missed the last two games with flu-like symptoms, but is expected to play Monday vs. the Flyers. Connauton has actually had a decent start to the season, picking up two assists, a plus-8 rating and 24 shots on goal in his first 10 contests.

Kevin Connauton
Connauton (lower-body) has resumed practicing with the team and could be ready for the season opener.

Connauton is dealing with what is believed to be a knee injury. He returned to practice recently, but no decision has been made on his availability for the season opener. Connauton is expected to play on the left side of the Coyotes’ third pairing.

Kevin Connauton
Connauton will make his Blue Jackets debut on Friday.

The Blue Jackets claimed Connauton off of waivers from Dallas on Tuesday and will be inserted in the lineup tonight vs. the Bruins. Tim Erixon will come out of the lineup to make room for the newest Blue Jacket. Connauton had two assists in eight games with Dallas this season.

Kevin Connauton
The Blue Jackets have claimed Kevin Connauton off of waivers from Dallas.

Connauton, 24, was Vancouver’s third pick, 83rd overall, in the 2009 NHL Draft. He has registered one goal and nine assists for 10 points with 22 penalty minutes in 44 career NHL games, all during the past two seasons with the Stars. He has collected 0-2-2 with six penalty minutes and is +4 in eight games this season.

Kevin Connauton
Kevin Connauton will get the nod on defense tonight as the Stars play their second game without Stephane Robidas, who will be out 4-6 months with a leg fracture. This will be Connauton’s second game with the Stars this season.

“He’s really worked hard in practices,” said Ruff. “In his first game, early on he was OK and as the game went on he got better. He skates well, he shoots the puck well and he knows our system really well. I told him the other day that I am going to play him, so it’s up to him to play well now.” Jamie Oleksiak, who played on defense in Sunday’s game against Edmonton, will be a healthy scratch

Kevin Connauton
Stars coach Lindy Ruff said he'll skate both Jamie Oleksiak and Kevin Connauton in warm-ups, and then decide who plays vs. Edmonton.

Connauton, 23, made his NHL debut with the Stars this season, he played 16:05 with a plus-2 rating. If he draws in tonight it would be just his second NHL game after playing 221 games in the AHL since 2010. In that span he had 33 goals and 55 assists (88 points).

Kevin Connauton