Coyotes, assistant coach Phil Housley part ways

The Coyotes presumably will be looking to fill an assistant coach position on head coach André Tourigny's staff this offseason, after the team and assistant Phil Housley mutually agreed to part ways on Sunday. 

Housley's three-year contract was set to expire. He joined the Coyotes and former coach Rick Tocchet's staff before the 2019-2020 season after two seasons as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. 

For a few days this season with Tourigny in the NHL's COVID protocol, Housley served as temporary co-head coach with fellow assistant Cory Stillman. 

“On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Phil for everything he did for the Coyotes on and off the ice the past three seasons,” Coyotes General Manager Bill Armstrong said in a statement from the club. “Phil is very well-respected, a true professional and a good coach. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

Crouse and Fischer could re-sign

Armstrong said he believes forwards and longtime Coyotes Lawson Crouse and Christian Fischer, both who finished the season injured and unable to play, are going to be part of the team's core going forward. Both can become a restricted free agents in the offseason.

Crouse, 24, put up career-best numbers in goals with 20 and points with 34, to go with his overall play over 65 games.

Fischer, 25, appeared in 53 games and had five goals and five assists, but brings added value with his locker room presence. 

"I'm sure we can move forward with those guys, they've been great players for us, and they're certainly guys who want to be here," Armstrong said. He noted that getting those deals done could take time over the summer. 

The draft is the priority for Armstrong. The Coyotes will learn where they will pick in the lottery order later this month, then the NHL Draft is in July followed by the start of the league's free agency period. 

Get in touch with Jose Romero at Jose.Romero@gannett.com. Find him on Twitter at @RomeroJoseM.