Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson obviously feels comfortable with Arizona Coyotes, since he verbally agreed to an eight-year extension with the team. The 26-year-old, who was entering the last year of his six-year, $33 million contract, will be able to sign the extension on July 1st. According to TSN‘s reports, this new deal will pay Ekman-Larsson $8 million per year.
Although there were speculations that Coyotes could end up trading Oliver Ekman-Larsson as part of their rebuild, both the organization and the player expressed interest in the past months to work out a long-term deal.
Two weeks ago, Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka said that signing Ekman-Larsson, who ended the 2017-18 season with 14 goals and 28 assists, is a top priority for the team.
“We’ve been very clear that we’re willing to do whatever we possibly can to have him come back, and (we) think he’s a heck of a defenseman, heck of a player, heck of a person,” – Chayka told NHL.com. “Really believe in him and what he can bring to our team. Trying to get something done to lock him up long, long term. Build around him and really put together a team he deserves. He’s had some hard times, and we feel we can really surround him with the best people and the best players so that he can show what he’s capable of.“
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who is considered one of the NFL’s top offensive defenseman, also wanted to stick around despite the fact that Coyotes didn’t reach the playoffs since 2011-12.
“I would obviously like to figure something out,” – Ekman-Larsson said back in April. “I’ve said it so many times. This is where I want to be. Hopefully, we can work something out.“
