The Coyotes on Sunday assigned forward Tim Kennedy and defenseman Connor Murphy to the Portland Pirates, the team's American Hockey League affiliate. The move gives both players the chance to continue getting ice time during the NHL's Olympic break, which lasts until Feb. 19, when teams can return to practice leading up to the first games on Feb. 25.
The 27-year-old Kennedy has recorded two goals and six assists in 37 games with the Coyotes this season. Kennedy, who recently cleared waivers, has also registered two assists in six games with the Pirates. In 162 career NHL games, he has 15 goals and 24 assists.
The 20-year-old Murphy, the Coyotes' first-round pick in the 2011 draft, has recorded a goal and seven assists in 26 games in the NHL this season after making his debut on Nov. 16. He also has registered seven assists in 18 games with Portland this season.
