On the Arizona Coyotes and Tobias Rieder …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: The Arizona Coyotes and restricted free agent Tobias Rieder have been unable to reach a deal. Rieder’s agent, Darren Ferris, said in an email that it’s time to consider other options.
“I think it would be best for both parties if they just traded him,” Ferris wrote. “He is really disappointed with them.”
The Coyotes and Rieder’s camp were talking a long-term deal, but moved to a bridge deal with they couldn’t find a common ground. When discussing a two-year bridge deal, Ferris said they were looking for $2.5 million a season. The Coyotes aren’t moving off their offer.
“They offered $2.2 million,” said Ferris, adding that the Coyotes have also offered a lower, one-year qualifying offer. “They are not working toward any amicable deal at all. There really haven’t been any negotiations, per se. The team is unwilling it seems to negotiate. Tobi is the only one making any effort.
“It’s unfortunate that a good kid gets treated this way. He never balked at the defensive role they made him play, and they don’t seem to value the intangibles he brings to the team.”
GM John Chayka said again yesterday that they are holding strong on talks. They will not trade Rieder.
Ferris has said they have KHL offers and may take a closer look at after Rieder is finished with the World Cup.
Bob McKenzie: Tobias Rieder is looking to get a two year deal at $2.5 million per season. The Coyotes are holding firm in the low $2 million range, maybe $2.2 million. Coyotes suggesting he could take the one-year qualifying offer. Rieder is frustrated with the Coyotes firm stance. His options are to take the Coyotes offer, ask for a trade, go to the KHL and to withhold his service.