Phoenix Coyotes sign Martin Hanzal
The Phoenix Coyotes have announced that they have signed forward Martin Hanzal to a two-year deal worth $3.6 million. The contract has Hanzal earning $1.5 million in his first season and $2.1 million in his second.
Hanzal was drafted 17th overall by the Coyotes in the first round of the 2005 National Hockey League entry draft. After being selected Hanzal spent a season with the Western Hockey League’s Red Deer Rebels, where he had an outstanding year totalling 26 goals and 85 points in 60 games. The following season he joined the Coyotes and put up strong rookie numbers, earning 35 points in 72 games. Over the next two seasons Hanzal’s numbers began to dwindle. Nevertheless, Phoenix has given him another chance signing him as a restricted free agent.
On a low scoring Phoenix side Hanzal managed to finish sixth on the team with just 33 points, however the Coyotes brass will be looking for more from the 23-year-old this season, as he is expected to take over as the second line centre. Moreover, on a club that struggles to score Hanzal was drafted for his ability to get on the score sheet, something he has not been able to do enough of over the past two years.
The native of the Czech Republic is still young and could need some more time to develop. However, the Coyotes are a young team and have prospects such as Mikkel Boedker, Kyle Turris and Viktor Tikhonov ready to make the jump to the NHL level. With highly touted youngsters approaching NHL readiness Hanzal is going to have to improve his game if he hopes to remain with the ‘Yotes past his two-year contract.
Last season with Phoenix Hanzal managed 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points, while accumulating 104 penalty minutes.
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