Letunov’s rights traded to Coyotes

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Arizona Coyotes have acquired the NHL rights to Youngstown Phantoms forward Max Letunov.

The second-year Phantoms forward was a secopnd-round draft pick of the St. Louis Blues in last June’s NHL Draft. Monday, the Blues traded Letunov’s rights for for veteran NHL defenseman Zbynek Michalek (a former Pittsburgh Penguin) and a conditional third-round draft pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

“Maxim is a big, skilled center with excellent upside,” said Coyotes general manager Don Maloney. “He will play at Boston University next season who do a great job developing players. We are excited to have him join our organization.”

Letunov is second on the team and third in the USHL in scoring with 53 points. In 107 career USHL games, Letunov has totaled 41 goals and 55 assists.

Also Monday, Phantoms forward Josh Melnick was named USHL Forward of the Week after recording six points and a plus-six rating in last weekend’s sweep of the Fargo Force.

The Phantoms, who have won 10 straight games, traded defenseman Carson Vance and a first round pick in Phase II of the 2015 USHL Draft to the Chicago Steel for defenseman Connor McDonald and a third round pick in Phase II.

McDonald has accounted for a pair of goals and seven assist in 45 gamesl.

Vance departs Youngstown having tallied a goal and seven assists through 44 career games.

“This was a tough but exciting move for our organization,” Phantoms head coach Anthony Noreen said. “Carson was a great Phantom on and off the ice, and he will be missed. We want to thank him for all he has done in Youngstown.”