The Arizona Coyotes re-signed forward Tobias Rieder to a two-year deal ending a protracted negotiation period.
The negotiations were nearly as protracted as Manchester United’s with Paul Pogba, but the Arizona Coyotes and General Manager John Chayka finally got it done.
Tobias Rieder is back in the desert. Everyone can go about their business for two more years, at least.
Rieder and the Yotes agreed to a two-year, $4.45M deal that will see the German winger paid $2M in 2016-17 and $2.45M in 2017-18.
The news broke during the team’s preseason matchup against the Vancouver Canucks and “surprised” was the operative word for fans.
It was just a week ago that Tobi’s agent Darren Ferris told Arizona Sports’ Craig Morgan that ““I think it would be best for both parties if they just traded him. He is really disappointed with them.”
At the time, John Chayka had stated that the team would not be willing to trade Rieder and would continue to work towards a solution. It looks like his patient approach paid off.
Whatever bad blood built up between the two groups, let’s hope it fades away before 2018.
By then, Rieder may have progressed to into a perennial 20-goal scoring winger. The Arizona Coyotes organization should be much farther along towards becoming an actual contender, as well.
Fortunately, the Tobias Rieder that the Yotes are getting right now is pretty good. Particularly for the analytics based initiative that the team is embracing.
While there a great many happy fans in the Valley, there’s at least one players who is likely sad to see Rieder return. Forward Lawson Crouse appeared to have an inside track to acquiring Rieder’s vacant spot, but with the speedster back on board it’s looking like Crouse will be heading back to juniors.
It’s still not known when Rieder will rejoin the organization.
Tobias Rieder is still in Toronto where he has been training with skills coach Jari Byrski. Working thru details of when he'll join team.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) October 4, 2016
Tobi rejoining the fold likely completes the Arizona Coyotes roster heading into the start of the regular season.
Next: Should Chayka Trade Martin Hanzal or Re-sign Him?
Bar an enticing name reaching the waiver wire, it’s hard to see Chayka doing much more.
Now it’s down to determining which kids are getting to hear their name called out on October 15th in Gila River Arena.
Welcome back, Tobae! We’ve been expecting you.