+1
One of the league's big name restricted free agents has finally signed with their club. Maybe that's a slight stretch, but to fans in Phoenix, it's big news. On Friday, the Coyotes locked up Martin Hanzal with a two-year deal worth $3.6 million.
Bob McKenzie of TSN reported the news.
Hanzal agrees to terms in PHX. Two year deal. $1.5M and $2.1M. $1.8M AAV.
Bob McKenzie
TSNBobMcKenzie
The 23-year-old center had 11 goals and 23 assists a year ago with the Coyotes.
The two big name RFA's still out there are Anaheim's Bobby Ryan and Marc Staal of the New York Rangers. Both are still reportedly in active negotiations with their teams. Other teams may poach these players away, but the home club has the right to match any offer and receive compensation should a RFA sign elsewhere.
For more on the Hanzal signing, visit Five For Howling.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
Scoreboard data copyright © 2012 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.
OpenCalais - Powered by Thomson Reuters
•
Odds Shark 
Coyotes Sign Martin Hanzal To Five-Year Extension
The Phoenix Coyotes signed forward Martin Hanzal to a five-year contract extension on Thursday.
"We are very pleased to sign Martin to a five-year contract extension," said Coyotes general manager Don Maloney. "Martin is a big, strong, skilled center and a core member of our team. He contributes at both ends of the ice and we are confident he will continue to improve to become one of the NHL's best two- way centers."
The big center has been a key part of the Coyotes over the past few seasons especially when it comes to playing the defensive role up front. His line is continually paired up against the top line of the opposition and the San Jose Sharks especially have no love for him as he's frequently-frustrated Joe Thornton.
The 24-year-old native of the Czech Republic played in a career-low 61 games last season, but managed a career-high 16 goals with 26 points.
In four previous NHL campaigns, all with Phoenix, Hanzal has totaled 46 goals and 125 points in 288 regular-season appearances, adding one goal and six points over 11 playoff tilts.
For more on the Hanzal signing, visit Five For Howling.
Oct 06 6:19p by Sean Keeley - 0 comments