Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have recalled center Alexander Nikulin from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage. Nikulin, 23, has recorded 5-9-14 and 12 penalty minutes (PIM) in 37 games with San Antonio this season since being acquired from Ottawa in exchange for defenseman Drew Fata on Nov. 3, 2008. Prior to the trade, Nikulin scored two goals in five games with the Binghamton Senators of the AHL. Last season, the native of Moscow, Russia recorded 14-36-50 and 34 PIM in 71 games for Binghamton. He also appeared in two NHL games with Ottawa. Prior to his AHL career, Nikulin spent three seasons in the Russian Super League, collecting 18-26-44 and 30 PIM in 100 games. He also represented Russia at the 2005 World Junior Championships and won a silver medal. The 6-foot-1, 203-pound Nikulin was originally drafted by Ottawa in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2004 Entry Draft.