General manager Don Maloney, of the Phoenix Coyotes, announced Thursday that star center Martin Hanzal has signed a five-year contract extension worth $15.5 million.With one year remaining on his existing deal, Hanzal will earn $1.8 million in 2010-2011. His new deal kicks in next year, where he is set to earn $3.1 million per-year according to CapGeek.com.
“We are very pleased to sign Martin to a five-year contract extension,” said 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.”
Hanzal heads into his fifth NHL season, having played his entire career as a Coyote. He was drafted by the Coyotes in the first round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, 17th overall. The 6’4 218lb.s Czech native has improved through his career as a very intelligent and hard working NHL two-way center in quick fashion.
Hanzal comes off a career year with the Coyotes in the goal scoring department, having scored 16 goals and 26 points with a +4 rating in 61 games. He also set personal bests in game-winning goals with 5, power play goals (7) and hits (147). In the postseason, Hanzal scored one goal and two assists in four games. His new deal reflects the value this organization has placed on him, and his confidence and love of the team that drafted him.
"I feel awesome right now,” Hanzal said. “I know I will be here for the next six years, including this one, so it’s great… I love it in Phoenix, I love the team and I love the coaches. I want to stay here as long as I can so we came up with the five-year deal. I think it’s a good number for them and for me, too."
In 288 NHL games as a Coyote, Hanzal has registered 46 goals and 79 assists for 125 points and a -7 rating.
Hanzal’s responsibilities have increased through an offseason in which the Coyotes have lost some offensive power. Hanzal led his team in average time on ice amongst forwards last season at 19:30, and with centers Eric Belanger and Vernon Fiddler removed from the team, Hanzal is probably the best faceoff man on the current roster.
“I’m a big Hanzal fan,” Head Coach Dave Tippett said. “I think he’s a guy that touches a lot of parts of the game that make you win… He’s a player of similar importance to us as Keith Yandle. Our organization is trying to get better and move forward, and any time you can put key people in place like that, that’s a very good thing. We’re very happy to have him on board.”
Tippett’s Coyotes begin their 2011-2012 season on Saturday in an early and pivotal Pacific Division matchup with the San Jose Sharks.Hanzal's importance to the team pays dividends in matchups against larger teams such as the Sharks. He will get his chance to shine against Joe Thornton and the mighty Sharks tomorrow night.
- Kendall Grubbs
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