FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, February 23, 2012

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have reassigned forward Matt Watkins to the Portland Pirates, the Coyotes American Hockey League affiliate (AHL).

Watkins

The 5-foot-10, 185 pound Watkins made his NHL debut with the Coyotes on Tuesday versus the Los Angeles Kings, skating in 6:37 of ice time. In 48 games with the Pirates this season, he has recorded 9-18-27 and 30 PIM.

Watkins was originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round (160th overall) in the 2005 Entry Draft.

Phoenix is currently in the midst of a two-game road swing through the province of Alberta. The Coyotes will face-off against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome tonight. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. Fans can tune into FOX Sports Arizona PLUS beginning at 6:30 p.m. Check your local listings.