COYOTES

Lucas Lessio looking to stick with Coyotes this time

Sarah McLellan
azcentral sports
Lucas Lessio takes a shot during Coyotes rookie camp on Sept. 13, 2014, at Gila River Arena in Glendale.

For a week – maybe two – Coyotes prospect Lucas Lessio lugged around the disappointment of being demoted from the NHL last season after only three games to the American Hockey League.

"I'm a pretty competitive guy, obviously, and everybody's dream is to make the NHL and stay in the NHL," he said.

But, eventually, the 21-year-old perked up and as he started to pile up goals with the Coyotes' affiliate in Portland, he agreed that the decision to spend the season in the minors was the best for him. And now a year later, his chances of making the team and sticking around are better than they've ever been.

"I look back at last season, and they made a great decision – for sure," Lessio said. "I think every player should play in the American League at least one year. It's a great developmental league."

It was almost by sheer will that Lessio grabbed one of 23 roster spots a year ago. He suffered a non-displaced fracture in his foot early in camp and despite being limited at times, he still impressed the coaches enough to warrant a job.

"I came from junior," Lessio said. "I didn't have a foot in the door, so to win that spot outright was pretty special to me."

Lessio played in the team's first three games but after consecutive losses that saw the Coyotes get outscored 10-2, coach Dave Tippett went with a more veteran look and Lessio was assigned to the AHL.

"There came a point where we thought he would really benefit from the experience of being a pro player, and he ended up with 29 goals, was a dynamic player down there," Tippett said. "The biggest thing with Lucas is he needs to figure out that dynamic of playing not just high tempo where he can grab the puck and go score, but he's got to be able to play with other players, playing a structure that everybody can fit into. Young players sometimes struggle with that."

With the Pirates, Lessio's 29 goals was the third-most among rookies. It was clear his speed and shot were his strengths, but he worked on being responsible and adhering to the system. He hopes those developments come across in camp.

"I got the year of pro under my belt," Lessio said. "I know what to expect this time around. So this year for me if I make it for one, that's very good. But to stay here is another key."

Krys Barch added

The Coyotes have invited winger Krys Barch to camp on a professional tryout.

The 34-year-old spent last season with the Panthers, totaling four points and 13 fights in 55 games. Barch previously played under Tippett when both were with the Stars.

"We've been talking about him for a while," General Manager Don Maloney said. "He's another experienced, physical guy. Dave has a little history with him. So we just thought we'd bring him in and see what he can do."

Barch joins defensemen Jamie McBain and Matt Smaby and winger Matt Kassian as invitees to camp on a tryout basis. Maloney said the Coyotes won't be inviting any more players.

Ice chips

- The Coyotes have renewed their one-year affiliation agreement with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the East Coast Hockey League.

- Former Coyote Paul Bissonnette was invited to the Blues' training camp on a professional tryout.

"Just excited for the chance to try out for a very good hockey team," Bissonnette said via text message.

- Single-game tickets for preseason games Sept. 22 and Oct. 3 and the first 24 home games of the regular season will go on sale to the general public Friday at 10 a.m. Call 480-563-PUCK (7825) or go to arizonacoyotes.com.