Coyotes claim Connauton off waivers

The red-hot Arizona Coyotes are tinkering on the back end.

Defenseman Kevin Connauton, exposed on waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets, was scooped up Wednesday.

Connauton is capable offensively, with 11 goals and 37 points in 125 career games, but became expendable once Seth Jones was acquired from the Nashville Predators.

He's the second defenseman the Blue Jackets lost on waivers this month after Andrew Bodnarchuk went to the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 5.