Mikkel Boedker and the Arizona Coyotes came to terms on a one-year, $3.75 million contract this offseason, likely in the hopes that another year in the Coyotes system and under head coach Dave Tippett might result in Boedker finally realizing his ample potential and proving himself worthy of the long-term extension that was discussed, and ultimately avoided, this past summer. Through 33 games this season, Boedker has not disappointed. He's now got 11 goals, 23 points and three game-winners to his name.
But if another deal between the two sides is in the offing, it hasn't come up yet.
"We have not had any meaningful dialogue at all, quite frankly, since his one-year contract," Coyotes GM Don Maloney told AZ Central this week. "So we'll start up in January and see where we're at."
Due to league rules, the two sides are able to come to terms on a contract extension any time after Jan. 1. It sounds like the deal won't come that quickly, but Maloney said that he "remains optimistic" that something can be agreed upon.
"He's an important part of our team," Maloney said, "and hopefully we can do something that makes sense for both of us."
Boedker, 26, hasn't just developed his game, he's also shown the makings of a leader during another difficult, if surprisingly positive season in the desert. He took on the 'A' when injuries put Shane Doan and Martin Hanzal on the shelf and seemingly thrived in the role.
He's a talented player, of that there has never been doubt, but his long-term NHL outlook has been uncertain, to put it nicely, to this point. Maloney and Boedker are hopeful that this season will prove that Boedker's worth a full-time top-six role and the financial commitment that goes along with it.
"It's going to sort itself out," Boedker said. "I don't know where the team stands and where I stand. There's been no conversations. I haven't heard anything. I've just been focused on trying to help the team and trying to make sure that I could help them as much as possible and obviously help myself become a better player."
