David Schlemko and Rusty Klesla, both of whom have been dealing with lower-body injuries, practiced Friday. Klesla has not played since Oct. 24, and he has a goal in seven games. Schlemko, who has two points on the season, has missed one game so far. They both seem to be nearing returns, though it's tough to say if that'll come Saturday.

The Phoenix Coyotes added David Schlemko back into the mix on Sunday, as they face the Hurricanes in Carolina. He's played in three games this season, registering zero points and six SOG. Rostislav Klesla, David Rundblad and Brandon Yip are Phoenix's scratches.

David Schlemko was activated from the IL on Thursday March 14.

David Schlemko (upper body) partook in contact drills for the first time since being injured four weeks ago on Monday. Schlemko has two assists in nine games this season as the defensive defenseman was injured when he crashed into the Wild's Matt Cullen on Feb. 5 after which his arm was seen in a sling. "Hopefully he's not too far away," coach Dave Tippett said.

David Schlemko has inked a two-year extension with the Phoenix Coyotes. Schlemko will come with a $1,187,500 annual cap hit. He has two points in nine games this season. He's currently on the injured reserve list with a "significant" upper body injury.

David Schlemko left Monday's game due to an upper body injury. Schlemko was hurt when he crashed into Minnesota's Matt Cullen during the first period and didn't return. Schlemko's arm was later seen in a sling. Coyotes coach Dave Tippett classified it as "a significant injury."

David Schlemko has signed with the Arizona Sundogs of the Central Hockey League. Schlemko previously played with the team back in 2007-08 when they were crowned league champions. "He has always been a fan favorite in our arena and the fans were excited to see him again on the ice at Tim's Toyota Center last fall when the Coyotes held their training camp in Prescott Valley," said GM Chris Presson. "This is one of the top moments in the history of this club. This is where it all started for David. His career took off after completing his first full season as a professional in Arizona. We are very excited to welcome him home and look forward to him helping us win games this season." In 46 games with the Coyotes last season, Schlemko had 11 points and a plus-7 rating. The Sundogs are the CHL affilate of Phoenix, so they'll easily be able to keep tabs on him during the lockout.

David Schlemko might head to Europe in about a month if the lockout lasts that long. "Everyone will want to see where the star players end up first," Schlemko said. "My agent's thinking mid-to-late October before we make a decision if the lockout's going to go that long. (But) that's not for sure." He had a goal and 11 points in 46 games with the Phoenix Coyotes last season.

David Schlemko dressed for the Coyotes in Game 5 on Tuesday night. He filled in for injured rearguard Adrian Aucoin in the contest. Schlemko skated in five playoffs games for Phoenix and two against the Kings in the Western Conference Finals. He had no points and six shots over that time.

David Schlemko may begin the Western Conference final in the lineup for Phoenix if it is deemed that Adrian Aucoin (undisclosed) cannot play. Schlemko suited up in Game 6 against Chicago in Round 1 and he played in two more games versus Nashville on the Coyotes' semifinal match-up. "I thought he handled himself very well," coach Dave Tippett said. "We'll kind of evaluate where we are over the next few days and figure out which six gives us the best chance to be successful, and that's what we'll go with." Schlemko has no points, eight blocks, four shots and a plus-1 rating in the postseason.