Michalek loved his time with Coyotes, would be open to return
The Arizona Coyotes traded long-tenured defenseman Zbynek Michalek to the St. Louis Blues Monday.
The 32-year-old Michalek, who has been suffering from concussion issues, would welcome a return to his previous employer if the opportunity arose.
"You know me. You know that I like it here," Michalek told Sarah McLellan of AZ Central Sports. "It's a special place for me. I would definitely be open if they're interested in the summer to renegotiate to come back.
The trade of Michalek was just one amidst a flurry of moves that signaled a complete tear down by Coyotes general manager Don Maloney. He also dealt verterans Antoine Vermette and Keith Yandle.
"I'm really sad to leave Phoenix. A lot of good friends and the memories and everything, I'm really, really sad for that," said Michalek
"I don't take anything personal against me or Vermy or Yands at all. Obviously, we were the biggest targets because of how long we played here, and me and Vermy had contracts expiring. It's the business side of it and whether I like it or not or think it's a good idea or not, it's not really up to me to decide or talk about it."
Michalek has two goals and six assists in 53 games.