Arizona Coyotes cut Galchenyuk after hit and run, resisting arrest charges in Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5/AP) — The Arizona Coyotes are cutting ties with forward Alex Galchenyuk after Scottsdale police confirm he was arrested on multiple charges earlier this month.

Police say that Galchenyuk was arrested on July 9 on several charges, including private property hit and run, disorderly conduct, failure to obey, resisting arrest, and threatening or intimidating. Police add that the hit and run only involved property, with no injuries reported.

In an updated statement issued Friday morning, the team said:

“We are aware of the incident involving Alex Galchenyuk and strongly condemn this type of behavior. Once the Club was made aware of the allegations, we immediately began the process of terminating his Standard Player’s Contract through the proper channels in conjunction with the National Hockey League. As a result, the Arizona Coyotes today have exercised the team’s right to terminate the contract of Alex Galchenyuk due to a material breach of the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract. The Club will have no further comment at this time.”

He was cut less than two weeks after the team signed him to a 1-year, $775,000 contract on July 1, opening him up to free agency.

The 29-year-old had 19 goals and 22 assists with the Coyotes in 2018-19 and returned in 2021-22, finishing with six goals and 15 assists in 60 games. Galchenyuk played 11 games for the Colorado Avalanche last season, spending most of the year in the AHL.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.