PHOENIX — The Phoenix Coyotes became buyers at Wednesday’s trade deadline, hoping to continue their push for the playoffs by acquiring forward Wojtek Wolski and veteran defenceman Derek Morris.
Wolski arrives from the Colorado Avalanche for forwards Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter while Morris comes from the Boston Bruins for a conditional draft pick in 2011.
The Coyotes have been sellers in recent years, but are currently chasing their first playoff berth since 2002. Phoenix was sitting fifth in the Western Conference with 79 points entering play Wednesday.
Wolski is a former first-round pick of the Avalanche who is scheduled to become a restricted free agent on July 1. The 24-year-old is currently earning US$3.1 million and has 17 goals and 47 points in 62 games.
The 31-year-old Morris is earning US$3.3 million this year and will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He previously spent parts of five seasons in Phoenix and had three goals and 25 points in 58 games for the Bruins this year.
Mueller and Porter were both drafted by the Coyotes and spent their entire careers with the team.
The 21-year-old Mueller was selected eighth overall in 2006 but has struggled this season, scoring four goals and 17 points in 54 games. Porter has spent the majority of the season in the American Hockey League.