Arizona Coyotes Move to Terminate Adam Ruzicka’s Contract Following Social Media Controversy

The Arizona Coyotes are once again in the process of terminating the contract of a recently acquired player, marking the second such instance in under eight months.

On Friday, the Coyotes announced their decision to place forward Adam Ruzicka on unconditional waivers with the intention of terminating his contract. This move comes following a social media post by Ruzicka that depicted concerning imagery involving white powder and a credit card on a plate. The team, opting not to provide further comment on the matter, initiated the termination process.

Ruzicka, aged 24, had joined the Coyotes after being claimed off waivers from the Calgary Flames on January 25. He had participated in three games for the Coyotes during the current month. With 40 points in 117 career games, Ruzicka’s contract termination is pending clearance through waivers, although potential intervention from the NHL Players’ Association could lead to a grievance.

This development echoes a similar incident earlier in the 2023-24 season when the Coyotes terminated the contract of forward Alex Galchenyuk shortly after his free-agent signing on July 1. Galchenyuk had encountered legal issues, including hit-and-run and disorderly conduct charges, prompting his termination. He subsequently entered the NHL/NHLPA assistance program and is now competing in Russia.

Ruzicka’s contract termination marks the second instance within the season. Prior to this, the Chicago Blackhawks had terminated Corey Perry’s contract in November due to behavior deemed “unacceptable,” violating both the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies aimed at fostering professional and safe work environments. Perry later signed with the Edmonton Oilers less than two months after his contract termination.