Vladislav Kolyachonok is back with the Coyotes after spending four games in the NHL earlier this season, and this time, he might have a better chance to stay around a while longer. 

When the Coyotes traded Ilya Lyubushkin to the Toronto Maple Leafs last weekend, it opened up a roster spot for a defenseman. Kolyachonok got the callup from AHL Tucson on Monday, and practiced with the Coyotes on Tuesday. 

“Of course it was a good experience, because we won a couple of games and I always try to bring energy to the team,” Kolyachonok said of his first stint. “Play simple from the start, try to adjust to the system. I was really excited to join the team at that time.”

The 20-year-old from Belarus has two goals and 12 assists with the Roadrunners in his first season in the organization. Kolyachonok was obtained in the trade that brought defenseman Anton Stralman from the Florida Panthers over the past offseason.

“You’re always working as hard as possible to be ready for this chance,” Kolyachonok said. “Trying to give 100 percent on the ice, off the ice.”

A second-round pick by the Panthers in 2019, the trade meant more opportunity for Kolyachonok. He said he was excited to join an organization in the Coyotes that wants to see him play, and he is more motivated to reach team goals because of the club’s high interest in him.

Kolyachonok credited the coaching he received  in Tucson for getting him ready for the NHL again, and said he’s enjoyed playing with his teammates. 

“I feel like nowadays, part of being a defenseman is being a two-way defenseman. Always joining the rush, always helping the offense,” he said. “I’m just trying to do the right things and use my hockey IQ to help in the (defensive) zone and (offensive) zone.”

Coyotes head coach André Tourigny said Kolyachonok is a strong skater who can close on opponents quickly. 

“He does a lot of things that can help our team,” Tourigny said. “He’s a good prospect, played really well in Tucson, so we’re excited to have him and work with him a little bit and see his progression.”