Lyubushkin is a big (6'2", 201 lbs) rugged defenseman, who is in his fourth year in the NHL. Lyubushkin has just one goal and 18 assists (19 points) in 180 career NHL games but has 498 hits and 246 blocked shots. Lyubushkin was a key penalty killer for the Coyotes and should serve a similar role as a third-pairing defenseman for the Maple Leafs.
The Coyotes now have a total of six players currently in COVID-19 protocol with Lyubushkin and Christian Fischer being added on Sunday. Unless he tests out, Lyubushkin will be out until at least the middle of next week.
Lyubushkin has become a steady, stay-at-home defenseman for the Coyotes in 2021. While the 26-year-old only has two points (1G / 1A) in 31 games, he has 77 hits and 52 blocked shots while playing 15:30 ATOI.
Lyubushkin missed Saturday's game vs. the Blackhawks but will draw back into the lineup on Tuesday. Lyubushkin, who has two assists in 35 games this season, is expected to replace Kyle Capobianco on the blueline.
Lyubushkin had four assists in 41 games with the Coyotes this season. The 25-year-old defenseman came to the NHL after spending six years in the KHL. Lyubushkin will likely serve as the Coyotes No.6/No.7 defenseman in 2019-20.
Lyubushkin is expected to play in Pittsburgh because Alex Goligoski is out with a lower-body injury. The 24-year-old defenseman has averaged just 12:10 TOI/gm in five games with the Coyotes this season. Lyubushkin has posted an ugly 47.3 CorsiFor%, -8.5 CF% rel with Arizona this season, so this is a big downgrade from the veteran Goligoski.
Lyubushkin has averaging just 12:25 TOI/GM in the first three games of his NHL career. Lyubushkin will be replaced by Jordan Oesterle on the Coyotes third pairing.
