It sounds like the Arizona Coyotes and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are on the verge of finalizing a long-term partnership. According to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger, both sides have a verbal agreement in place that would keep the 26-year-old in the desert for the next eight years.
Last week, Dreger’s colleague, Bob McKenzie, reported that the ‘Yotes had offered their franchise defenseman an eight-year deal worth $66 million ($8.25 million per year).
Because he has a year remaining on his current contract, Ekman-Larsson can only officially sign his new contract on July 1st.
The deal makes sense for both parities. Ekman-Larsson will continue to be the key piece of a rebuilding Arizona team and the Coyotes get to keep their best player in the fold for the better part of a decade.
The Swedish blue-liner scored 14 goals and 42 points in 82 games during the 2017-18 season. He’s found the back of the net between 12 and 23 times since the 2013-14 season. He’s also accumulated at least 39 points in each campaign during that time.
Sticking in Arizona is an interesting decision for Ekman-Larsson. He could have gotten paid anywhere, but he obviously believes that the Coyotes will be able to be competitive in the next few years.
MORE:
• Long-term extension would make sense for Coyotes, Ekman-Larsson
• Locking up Ekman-Larsson is a must for Coyotes
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Joey Alfieri is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @joeyalfieri.