Less than two weeks after offering forward Alex Galchenyuk a one-year contract, the Arizona Coyotes put his name on a waiver to terminate his contract … with no further explanation.
The organization announced the news on Twitter Thursday and said it would not comment further on the story. Sports site The Athletic then learned that the third pick in the 2012 draft was arrested by Scottsdale Police on Sunday, July 9.
Galchenyuk faces charges of hit-and-run, disorderly conduct, insubordination, resisting arrest, threats and intimidation.
Law enforcement also told The Athletic that the incident involving the hockey player only caused property damage and there were no injuries. He was arrested on Sunday and released the next day.
According to journalist Craig Morgan, the National Hockey League Players Association is reviewing the case.
Galchenyuk, a former Montreal Canadiens, had signed a two-part contract on July 1 that netted him $775,000. It would be his third visit to Arizona for him, who wore the Coyotes’ uniform in 2018-2019 and 2021-2022.
On June 24, the Colorado Avalanche sent Galchenyuk to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Ryan Johansen. However, he became a restricted free agent. He will be free again if not claimed on the basis of waivers.
The 29-year-old American spent most of last season in the American League, amassing 42 points in as many games with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s farm club. In the Bettman Circuit, he was goalless in 11 games, finishing with a poor -8 margin.
In his career, the young veteran has collected 354 points in 654 games.