Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Coyotes eliminated a potential distraction over the weekend, getting Mikkel Boedker locked up on a new two-year contract. The restricted free agent had gone through the summer without a new deal, but talks never seemed to be broadcast in a particularly negative light.
Luckily, the Coyotes were able to avoid a potential Nazem Kadri type situation with their young forward, signing a guy with major upside in a year where he could be in for a big time breakout. The new deal for a cap hit just a touch over $2.5 million is more than fair for what Boedker brings to the table.
He’s one of the tougher matchups in the league, given his speed up front. He’s finally harnessed his tools in the last couple of seasons, with the 2013 campaign providing his best per-game production. With a new linemate in 2013-14, he could be in for a big year.
Boedker is likely going to be lining up to Mike Ribeiro, at least to start the year. This is good news for any player, but it’s especially good news for a player on a bridge deal like Boedker is, tryin to set himself up for a longer, larger contract the next time around.
Playing next to Ribeiro, Boedker will be joining one of the premier playmakers in the game. Regardless of what one may think of his character, there’s no doubt that Ribeiro is a fantastic fit for the Coyotes, and gives them an added dimension in the new season.
Boedker will be lining up next to a guy who notched 36 assists in 48 games last season, among the best in the league. With Boedker on one side, and potentially Radim Vrbata on the other, this is a group that could be among the more dangerous top lines in the league. With Boedker now a key piece of this team, and ready to log bigger minutes, next to upper tier talent, he should be set up well for a true breakout season.
