Erik Kallgren

November 2019- The Coyotes have placed Kallgren on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. He cleared waivers and will head back to play in Sweden. Tucson General Manager and Coyotes assistant GM Steve Sullivan said Kallgren wasn’t happy with his situation as a seldom-used back-up, so Arizona granted his request. Kallgren played pretty well when given the opportunity but was buried on a deep goaltender depth chart. It’s unknown at this time if he’ll return to North America again. Keith Duggan

October 2019- With the 2015 NHL Draft winding down, Coyote European scouts raved about a young Swedish netminder and pushed then General Manager Don Maloney to select Erik Kallgren. Maloney took their word and drafted Kallgren in the seventh-round, 183rd overall. In his draft year, Kallgren posted some strong numbers with Linkoping HC J20 of the Swedish SuperElit. In 34 games, he had an 1.75 GAA and a impressive save percentage of .936 – both of which were league-highs that season. Since being drafted, the Coyotes let Kallgren develop in Sweden, spending most of his time in the Allsvenskan. Letting four years pass, it looked as though the Coyotes were going to let Kallgren’s rights expire, moving on with the goaltender depth that new General Manager John Chayka had acquired. Instead, Kallgren took an opening for the starter gig with AIK roster this past year and thrived in the role. He posted a .920 save percentage in 32 games, playing a key role in his team’s run to the playoff’s at just 22 years old. The Coyotes team brass was impressed and brought over the former seventh-round pick to North America and signed him to a two-year, entry-level contract. A blocking-style goalie with a big, sturdy frame, Kallgren’s biggest adjustment will be playing on the smaller North American ice. Was expected to be Adin Hill’s backup this year in Tucson but looks as of right now to be beaten out for that roster spot by Ivan Prosvetov and will begin this campaign in the ECHL. Keith Duggan