With Andrew Ladd off the market, Coyotes forward Mikkel Boedker may be the next big chip to fall when it comes to rental players.
Boedker is definitely available, but as of right now, a trade out of Arizona doesn’t appear to be imminent (that could change quickly), per TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.
According to Dreger, it looks as though Boedker will be in the lineup for Saturday afternoon’s game in Philadelphia.
Unless something materializes very quickly trade wise, Mikkel Boedker is expected to play for the Coyotes this afternoon in Philly.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 27, 2016
The 26-year-old was having a breakout season, but he’s since cooled off considerably. That shouldn’t affect other teams’ desire to acquire the speedy winger before Monday’s deadline.
It would be surprising to see him fetch the same return as Ladd got for Winnipeg, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see a team give up a first-round pick (maybe a little more) for his services.
Boedker has 13 goals, 38 points and a minus-28 rating in 61 games in 2015-16.
There’s always the possibility that Boedker and the ‘Yotes agree on a contract extension, but that doesn’t seem likely.
The forward reportedly rejected a multi-year deal with an annual average value of $5.5 million. That offer has apparently been withdrawn by the team.
“If an offer comes in from the Coyotes that’s a great offer, he does like it there and he likes the players and fans and coaches so that might lead him to re-sign,” said Boedker’s agent Jarrett Bousquet, per AZ Sports. But if it’s another situation where we can’t agree on a fair deal then in six months, he’s free and we can see exactly what he’s worth.”
Given his history, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Don Maloney wait until the last minute to drive up value. https://t.co/RtyGKbVgi2
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) February 27, 2016
It sure looks like Boedker will be leaving Arizona before Monday’s 3:00 pm ET deadline.