While a contract doesn’t appear to be imminent, contract talks continue between the Arizona Coyotes and RFA winger Tobias Rieder. Speaking with AZCentral’s Sarah McLellan, GM John Chayka had the following to say about their discussions:
“We continue to discuss things and made a series of very fair offers – different ways, shapes and forms. Nothing yet that’s in agreement yet with his camp. We like the player a lot. We think he’s a very good player. He adds a lot of value to our team and impact, and we hope and expect him to be at camp and be a part of our group.”
Rieder is coming off a strong sophomore NHL season, setting career bests in goals (14), assists (23), points (37), and ice time (17:08 per game) and projects as a top six forward for the Coyotes this season if a deal can be reached.
Last month, Arizona Sports columnist Craig Morgan reported that the team had submitted a two year offer between $2MM and $2.3MM per year and a three year offer that would be closer to $2.5MM annually. Meanwhile, Rieder’s agent Darren Ferris was seeking $2.75MM per season on two or three year contracts or $3MM on a four year pact. It’s also believed that Rieder has at least two KHL offers on the table if they can’t come to terms on a new deal.
Rieder will be suiting up for Team Europe at the upcoming World Cup and will be insured to play by the league and Players’ Association since he isn’t under contract.
Elsewhere around the league:
- Boston prospect Zach Senyshyn underwent a successful appendectomy on Monday, the team announced. Senyshyn, a 2015 first round pick (15th overall), has been ruled out of rookie camp while his readiness for the opening of their main training camp is unknown. He recorded 45 goals in just 66 OHL games last season and could conceivably make a push to open the year with the big club if he has a strong preseason. As a junior-aged player, he could suit up in nine or fewer NHL games without burning the first year of his entry-level contract.
- With pre-tournament games set to begin this week, World Cup teams are finalizing their leadership cores. Team Sweden named Henrik Sedin as their new captain, replacing Henrik Zetterberg. In speaking with NHL.com’s Dan Rosen, Sedin called it an honor but wouldn’t go as far as calling it a dream come true as he never envisioned himself wearing the ‘C’ for the Tre Kronor. Despite getting the nod, Sedin anticipates the team will be captained more by committee than by himself. Henrik is one of three members of the Swedish squad who also won Olympic gold ten years ago in Italy; the others are his brother Daniel and Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
- Team Finland announced that they have appointed Tampa Bay center Valtteri Filppula and Florida left wing/center Jussi Jokinen as alternate captains. Minnesota’s Mikko Koivu was named team captain two weeks ago.