On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: The Arizona Coyotes and defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson are talking about an eight-year contract extension that would have a salary cap hit of just above $8 million per season according to sources.
The 26-year old Ekman-Larsson has a year left on his deal and eligible for a contract extension on July 1st.
Ekman-Larsson has said throughout the season that he wants to remain with the Coyotes. OEL agent, Kevin Epp, said earlier that talks were progressing.
“Everybody feels good about the way the organization is going right now and the direction of ownership and the direction of the team and its success,” Epp said.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
John Shannon: (9:56 PM) A Canucks source confirmed that when the World Championships are done, prospect Elias Pettersson will sign his entry-level contract with the Canucks.
Rick Dhaliwal: (10:13 PM)(adding to Shannon’s tweet) This is the same as what has been hearing for the past two weeks. Pettersson is not going to be returning to Sweden.
Matthew Sekeres: (5:52 PM) Have been hearing rumblings that Pettersson could spend another season in Sweden with Vaxjo.
Mike Zanier: (6:10 PM) (Swedish analyst and insider) On TSN 1040 on Pettersson: “The last week or so, there’s been a couple newspaper reports trying to convince the people here that maybe it’s for Elias’ best interests to stay one more year. Grow his body and get a little stronger, so when it’s time for him to go to Vancouver” … “he’s ready to step in and be the guy and not just go over there and be another guy, and not waste a year of development. That’s what I’m getting out of it.” … “If he stays over here, he’s going to be the main guy in the league. Vaxjo won’t have a strong team, so there will be more pressure on him. He’ll have time to hit the gym more. But is it best for his development? I don’t know.” … “I think he can jump to the NHL and be a very good player. But I’m not sure how he feels, and that’s the key – how he feels.”