The Arizona Coyotes terminated the contract of forward Alex Galchenyuk on Friday, just 13 days after signing him as a free agent.
On the possible reason for Galchenyuk’s early contract termination, an NHL source said the Coyotes had discovered an “off-ice situation” involving Galchenyuk that was previously unknown to the team.
A Scottsdale Police Department spokesperson told The Associated Press on Thursday that Galchenyuk was arrested Sunday on charges of private property hit and run, disorderly conduct, failure to obey, resisting arrest, and threatening or intimidating. The spokesperson added the hit-and-run was only property damage and that no injuries occurred.
Galchenyuk was booked into the Scottsdale City Jail on misdemeanor charges and released Monday on his own recognizance.
“We are aware of the incident involving Alex Galchenyuk and strongly condemn this type of behavior,” Arizona Coyotes said in a statement. “Once the Club was made aware of the allegations, we immediately began the process of terminating his Standard Player’s Contract through the proper channels in conjunction with the National Hockey League.”
The NHLPA said it was reviewing the decision on behalf of Galchenyuk, who will become an unrestricted free agent again.
The Coyotes on Thursday, took the first step in a player termination by placing Galchenyuk, who was signed on the opening day of free agency on July 1, on unconditional waivers.
29-year-old Alex Galchenyuk signed a one-year, two-way contract that would pay him $775,000 in the NHL and $225,000 in the American Hockey League.
Galchenyuk was not new to the Coyotes and had previously played for the team in the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons.
“We are very pleased to welcome back Alex to our organization. He is a hard-working, versatile forward who will add depth to our group,” Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong said at the time of the signing.
He played 11 games with the Colorado Avalanche and 42 for their AHL affiliate last season. The Avalanche traded him to Nashville for Ryan Johansen, and the Predators allowed him to go to free agency. He has also played for Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs
According to the Montreal Canadiens, Galchenyuk was the third overall pick in the 2012 NHL draft. He had his best year in 2015-16 when he scored 30 goals in 82 games. He has 354 points in 654 career games, and would revert to unrestricted free agent after his contract is terminated.
