GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Coyotes locked up two of their best young defenseman on Thursday, signing Connor Murphy to a six-year contract and Michael Stone to a one-year deal
Murphy’s deal is for $23.1 million with a salary cap hit of $3.85 million. Stone’s deal, which allows him and the team to avoid a salary arbitration hearing next week, is worth $4 million.
Murphy elevated his game last season, often pairing with All-Star Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and led Team USA with three goals during this year’s world championships.
The 23-year-old had six goals and 11 assists in 78 games with the Coyotes in 2015-16, his second full NHL season. He has 11 goals and 21 assists in 181 career games after being drafted with the 20th overall pick of the 2011 NHL draft.
”We are extremely pleased to sign Connor to a long-term contract,” Coyotes general manager John Chayka said. ”At only 23, Connor has established himself as a very good NHL defenseman. He’s a great skater, a fierce competitor and he has an excellent work ethic. We look forward to him taking the next step and having him on our blue line for many years to come.”
The 26-year-old Stone had six goals and set a career high with 36 points last season. He also led the team with 143 blocked shots despite suffering season-ending ACL and MCL injuries in late March.
Stone has 23 goals and 64 assists in 279 career NHL games, all with the Coyotes.
”We are very happy to have Michael back,” Chayka said. ”He had a breakthrough year for us last season and we are confident that he will fully recover from his injury and that he will play an important role for us.”
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