While things have certainly calmed down in the free agency season one notable signing did occur over the weekend.
The Arizona Coyotes signed UFA Luke Schenn; the deal is reportedly worth $2.5 million over two years.
“I’m fortunate to play as long as I have, and so many games, but I still feel like I have lots to improve on and lots to learn,” Schenn said. “That’s what I’m looking forward to about Arizona.”
The Coyotes are remaking themselves in the desert and this season’s roster seems poised to make a move beyond early campaign success.
“He’s an interesting guy,” Arizona general manager John Chayka said. “Everyone wants to focus on the negatives of his game rather than the positives. There are a lot of segments in his career where he was very impactful. He’s 26, and players at the defense position take more time. He’s played over 500 NHL games and he’s kind of in the age group where the rest of our young players are.
“(Coyotes assistant coach) Jimmy Playfair had Robyn Regher (with the Calgary Flames), a similar defenseman when it comes to style of play. I have faith in Jimmy and our developmental staff to get [Schenn] back to where he was before in his career: a physical, impactful player who can make a good first pass and add to our back end.”
Elsewhere, the New York Rangers avoided arbitration with two of their key assets in Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes.
Kreider signed a reported four-year deal.
“Hopefully I am just scratching the surface,” Kreider was quoted saying in Toronto. “I am of the mindset that I am trying to get better every single day. I guess if you are not improving, there’s no point of doing it.”
Hayes signed a reported two-year deal with the Rangers.
Hayes, 24, has been with New York for two years and has picked up 81 points on 31 goals in those seasons.
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