Plotnikov assisted on a Boyd Gordon goal in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Avalanche.

Plotnikov was dealt by the Penguins to the Coyotes on Monday, Craig Custance of ESPN reports, with Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review adding that the return is AHL winger Matthias Plachta and a conditional 2017 seventh-round draft pick.

Plotnikov didn't participate in practice Sunday, even though he's not injured.

Pens GM Jim Rutherford said Plotnikov requested his release to go back to Russia earlier in the season, 93.7 The Fan reports.

Plotnikov, who has yet to score a goal in 30 games, served as a healthy scratch for the sixth consecutive game Thursday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Plotnikov will likely serve as scratch Saturday against the Wild.

After going scoreless for the 14th consecutive game in Wednesday's shutout loss to Boston, Plotnikov's stat line through 24 contests sits at no goals, two assists, a plus-1 rating and 27 shots.

Plotnikov skated with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel on Friday during practice, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Plotnikov was taken off the Evgeni Malkin line and skated with Steve Bonino and Beau Bennett during Monday's practice, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

The Penguins will be tracking Plotnikov's performance closely Saturday after a disappointing first game Thursday.