Radim Vrbata News

Radim Vrbata announced his retirement from the NHL on Monday.

Vrbata was a seventh round pick (No.212) back in 1999 and went on to have a great NHL career. Vrbata played for the Avalanche, Hurricanes, Blackhawks, Coyotes, Lightning, Canucks and Panthers, picking up 284 goals and 339 assists (623 points) in 1057 games along the way.

Radim Vrbata
Vrbata will be back in the Panthers lineup on Tuesday.

Vrbata was a healthy scratch for the last three games but with Denis Malgin (upper-body) out, Vrbata will replace him on the second line. Vrbata has picked up five goals and eight assists (13 points) in 38 games this season. Despite a rough year, he is a decent daily punt play while playing alongside Vincent Trocheck and Jonathan Huberdeau.

Radim Vrbata
Vrbata is expected to be back in the Panthers lineup on Thursday.

Vrbata was a scratch on Tuesday but is expected to play tonight in Colorado. It has been a slow first two months for Vrbata, who has just 11 points (3G / 8A) in 25 games this season. He will likely replace Connor Brickley in the lineup.

Radim Vrbata
Vrbata (face) is probable for Friday’s game vs. the Sharks.

Vrbata has missed the last five games but is expected to be back in the lineup on Friday. Vrbata is expected to replace Dryden Hunt on the third line and enter play with three goals and eight assists (11 points) in 19 games this season.

Radim Vrbata
The Coyotes have signed Radim Vrbata to a one-year deal worth $1 million.

One-year removed from a 31-goal, 63-point campaign, Vrbata posted just 13 goals and 14 assists (27 points) in 63 games last season. Vrbata joins a youthful Coyotes’ team and could crack their top-6 right out of the gate. He carries some sleeper potential if he can get back to his 20-goal, 50-point production from his last season with Arizona (2013-14).

Radim Vrbata
Vrbata (knee) will miss the rest of the regular season.

Vrbata only appeared in six games after returning from an undisclosed injury, but suffered a knee injury on Friday and will miss the final 11 games of the regular season. He had a tough season, posting just 13 goals and 14 assists (27 points) in 63 games.

Radim Vrbata