on march 3, 2010, stempniak was traded to the phoenix coyotes for matt jones and a fourth- and seventh-round draft pick 2010. twelve days later, stempniak was named the nhl’s second star of the week, scoring five goals in three games, all in victories for the coyotes. on april 1, 2010, stempniak earned the nhl's player of the month honor for march after scoring 13 goals since the trade to phoenix.