Jared Cohen
The Phoenix Coyotes announced on Friday that they have signed a long-term contract with Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Maloney.
There was concern whether or not the NHL would bring back Maloney without an owner in place for the team but with the NHL Draft and free agency coming up in the next month, they decided keeping Maloney on board was the best thing to do.
“We are very pleased that Don has agreed to sign a long-term contract extension with the Coyotes,” said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. “Since joining the team in 2007, Don has done an outstanding job managing his team and building a competitive roster that has produced on the ice, even given less than ideal circumstances off the ice. The NHL remains committed to securing the Coyotes’ future in Glendale under new ownership, and we believe Don’s long-term agreement evidences that he is equally committed.”
Maloney has done a stellar job keeping the Coyotes competitive over the last several seasons despite the difficult circumstances the organization has faced. In six seasons total under Maloney’s leadership, the Coyotes have posted an impressive record of 230-172-56 including qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs three times. Plus the Western Conference Finals which is the furthest the franchise has ever gone back in 2012.
“I am grateful to continue working for this franchise,” said Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney. “We have a strong core of talented people, both on and off the ice, who are committed to building a championship team and a first class organization. I would like to thank NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly for their tremendous support these past few years.”
As mentioned, the NHL draft is approaching fast and Maloney has a list of highly-regarded draft selections during his tenure as Coyotes GM. Those include defensemen Connor Murphy (20th overall, 2011), Brandon Gormley (13th overall, 2010), Oliver Ekman-Larsson (sixth overall, 2009), Maxim Goncharov (123rd overall, 2007), goaltender Mark Visentin (27th overall, 2010), forwards Henrik Samuelsson (27th overall, 2012), and Mikkel Boedker (eighth overall, 2008).
First thing on the agenda for Maloney will be to bring back head coach Dave Tippett who’s contract is up June 30th and look to resign goalie Mike Smith.
No new news on the ownership front. Back in april the NHL rejected the ownership proposal made by Darin Pastor.
