Hayton, 19, has one goal and four points in 14 NHL games this season, but hasn’t played since Nov. 29.
The fifth-overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, Hayton had four assists in five games for Canada at last year’s tournament. “This is a great opportunity for Barrett to continue his development,” Coyotes general manager John Chayka said. “Barrett will be one of Team Canada’s leaders and will play a significant role on the team against some of the best young talent in the world. He will gain invaluable experience and will return to the Coyotes after the tournament to help us the rest of the season.”
Hayton is the second pro player to be released to Canada for the tournament after fellow centre Joe Veleno — who is currently playing for the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. The Blackhawks’ Kirby Dach and Islanders’ Noah Dobson are also eligible to play, and those teams have until the NHL’s roster freeze on Dec. 19 to decide whether to release them.
Canada has been holding a training camp in Oakville, Ont., this week and is expected to make some roster cuts later on Thursday.