Connor Murphy has been summoned by the Phoenix Coyotes. Murphy has five assists in 12 contests with the AHL Portland Pirates this season. He scored a goal in his NHL debut on Nov. 16, but hasn't played for Phoenix since.

Despite scoring the game-winner and playing more than 22 minutes last night, Connor Murphy appears primed to return to the AHL. It looks like the Phoenix Coyotes will demote him on Sunday. Murphy acquitted himself well, but he's not the only 'Yotes blueliner who can create some offense, so it helps explain the move. If nothing else, he can build on this early experience.

Connor Murphy played 22:32 minutes and scored his first goal in his NHL debut on Saturday. Coach Dave Tippett was not afraid to use the rookie in tough situations as Murphy was second on the team in shorthanded time on ice. The first product of the Columbus minor system to make the NHL, Murphy was a first round selection, 20th overall in the 2011 Draft. Look for him to stay up for at least a while as the Coyotes are hurting on the blueline and if he is able to play like he did on Saturday, he may never be returned to the minors.

Connor Murphy is making his NHL debut for the Coyotes on Saturday night. The 20-year-old defenseman was taken 20th overall in the 2011 draft. He had five points, nine penalty minutes and a plus-three rating in 10 games in the AHL.

The Phoenix Coyotes have recalled Connor Murphy from the minors. The defenseman was selected in the first round, 20th overall in the 2011 Draft. He had five assists in 10 games with Portland of the AHL. Murphy suffered a season-ending knee injury at the World Junior Championships in January so to be called up after only 10 games in the AHL bodes well for the youngster. He is a big strong rearguard with a good shot, a mature defensive game and offensive potential so keep an eye on him, especially for the future.

Coyotes prospect Connor Murphy will miss the rest of the season following a knee injury he suffered at the World Junior Championship. "First and foremost our hearts go out to Connor," said Sarnia GM Jacques Beaulieu in a statement. "This is a player who does everything the right way and has such a bright future in this game. He is in excellent hands with the Phoenix medical staff who will take the lead with his procedure and rehab." The Coyotes had Murphy undergo an MRI on Wednesday and it revealed a lateral meniscus tear causing his knee to lock, which will require surgery to repair. It's doubtful he would've landed an NHL spot for this season and it's uncertain if he would've been a target for training camp, but he won't be available to do either now. Murphy won gold for the United States at the tournament and he produced 18 points in 33 games this OHL campaign with the Sting.

Connor Murphy netted a goal for the United States in the team's 3-2 overtime win over Sweden in World Junior Championship pre-tournament play on Thursday. Murphy has registered 18 points with the OHL's Sarnia Sting this season. He was selected in the first round, 20th overall, by Phoenix in 2011. Fellow defenseman and Philadelphia draft pick Shayne Gostisbehere scored the game-winning goal and Plymouth forward Ryan Hartman, who is eligible for the 2013 draft, also found the back of the net for Team USA in the match.

Connor Murphy generated a goal and a helper in Sarnia's 5-3 defeat to Barrie on Thursday. The Sting defender has seven points in 20 games this season. He was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2011 draft by Phoenix. Montreal first-rounder Alex Galchenyuk had two assists in the loss.

Connor Murphy underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Monday to repair a torn meniscus. He suffered the injury during USA Hockey's national junior evaluation camp last week and will require two to four months of recovery time. Murphy was selected with the 20th overall pick by Phoenix in the 2011 draft and inked to an entry-level contract in early August. He is expected to play in the OHL this year with Sarnia.