Very minor trade made in the NHL on Thursday.

We have a very minor deal to report.

According to the Arizona Coyotes, they have acquired the rights to defenseman Alex Goligoski from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a late round draft pick.

Here's the official announcement:

Arizona Coyotes General Manager John Chayka announced today that the Coyotes have acquired the negotiating rights to pending free agent defenseman Alex Goligoski from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a fifth round draft choice in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The Coyotes can negotiate with Goligoski until July 1. If a new contract isn't reached with Goligoski before that date, the 30-year-old defenseman would become an unrestricted free agent.

This is a very curious move, primarily because Goligoski is schedule to be a free agent on July 1st, and unless the Coyotes are absolutely certain they can sign him to a new deal, they may have essentially thrown away a firth round draft pick.

We expect an announcement to come soon if the Coyotes do indeed sign Goligoski for the long-term.

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