The Coyotes on Friday assigned forwards Nick Johnson and Rob Klinkhammer and defenseman Michael Stone to the team's AHL affiliate in Portland, continuing to finalize their roster heading into Saturday's season opener in Dallas.
Johnson, a 27-year-old free-agent acquisition from Minnesota, has played five games with the Idaho Steelheads this season, collecting one assist. Last season, he set career highs in games played (77), goals (8), assists (18), points (26) and penalty minutes (45) with the Wild.
Klinkhammer has played 38 games with Portlandthis season, recording nine goals and 22 assists. The 26-year-old played 15 games with Ottawa in 2011-12, collecting two assists.
Stone, considered a candidate for a roster spot on the team's deep blue line, has recorded six goals and 16 assists in 31 games with Portland this season. The 22-year-old played in 13 games for the Coyotes last season, tallying a goal and two assists. He also appeared in two games of the Western Conference finals and played in 51 games for Portland in 2011-12.
The Coyotes now have 24 players on their roster.
