Phoenix Coyotes retains veteran forward Radim Vrbata to a multi-year deal –NHL offseason Update
A day after the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Free Agency kicked off, Phoenix Coyotes managed to retain its veteran right wing player, Radim Vrbata, to a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract on Saturday, of which the terms and conditions were not
disclosed.
The 30-year-old will be entering his third consecutive season with Phoenix, after leaving the club at the end of 2007-2008 season to join Tampa Bay Lightning, then returning the next season.
He registered 48 points, 19 goals and 29 assists, during last season and till now has played 601 NHL games with a record of 323 points, 148 goals and 175 assists, in his 11-season career.
Phoenix's general manager, Don Maloney, announced the news during a press conference at Coyotes' home stadium.
"We are very pleased to re-sign Radim to a multi-year contract", said Maloney. "Radim is an important player for us and fits in well with our group. He will be counted on to contribute offensively for us".
It is according to the franchise's policies that the financial terms have not been disclosed.
Picked at number 212 during round-seven of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft by Colorado Avalanche, with which he played two seasons.
Vrbata has also played with teams like Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning.
His best season came when he joined Coyotes back in 2007 in which he boasted a record of 56 points, 27 goals and 29 assists. He played all 82 games only during the 2009-2010 season.
Phoenix made the playoffs for two consecutive seasons with Vrbata on board. He played seven games during the 2010 playoffs and registered four points, 2 goals and 2 assists, in seven games and five points, 2 goals and 3 assists, in four games during the
2011 postseason.
Coyotes has also participated in a number of other transactions over the weekend including signing Vancouver's defenseman, Raffi Torres.
In order to get the club ready before the new season starts, Phoenix has begun to negotiate with players who are still free agents that could benefit the club.
They also signed unrestricted free agent, Alex Bolduc, to a one-year testing contract.
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