Coyotes’ Caggiula claimed by Sabres

Drake Caggiula never found any consistency in scoring for the Arizona Coyotes, and after being placed on waivers by the team Thursday morning was claimed Friday by the Buffalo Sabres.

That’s good news for the 26-year-old forward, who keeps drawing a salary to support his infant son, albeit with a new team after less than four months as a Coyote.

Caggiula tallied seven points on a goal and six assists in 27 games. But he’d apparently fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, scratched from the lineup four times in the past five games eight of the team’s last 17 games.

The play and scoring from taxi squad forwards given their opportunity, such as Michael Bunting and Lane Pederson, as well as the physicality of more established forward John Hayden and versatility of Dryden Hunt, were also contributing factors to Caggiula becoming expendable.

Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet said he’s glad Caggiula is getting another opportunity. “He’s a great kid. It’s unfortunate for him it didn’t work out here,” Tocchet said. “I just wish the best for him. I hope he sticks and does a really good job in Buffalo, I really do.”

Forward Tyler Pitlick, a key player on even strength lines and special teams, is also expected back as soon as Friday night when the Coyotes play the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas. Pitlick practiced on Thursday and is poised to come off of injured reserve.

He’s missed the last seven games but has six goals and five assists in 33.

Caggiula, who signed a one-year contract with Arizona last December. scored his only goal on Feb. 26 in a 3-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche at home. He could get more of an opportunity with the struggling Sabres, who at 9-24-6 have the NHL’s worst record.