Report: Coyotes discussing 8-year extension with Ekman-Larsson

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, left, celebrates his goal against the Calgary Flames (Ross D. Franklin/AP)

The Arizona Coyotes are reportedly discussing an eight-year contract extension with defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, which could carry an average annual value (AAV) of more than $8 million, according to Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports.

Ekman-Larsson is currently heading into the last year of a six-year deal that began at the start of the 2013-14 season worth $33 million ($5.5 million AAV). Since he has one year left on his contract, he can’t officially sign an extension until July 1.

Earlier in the season, Ekman-Larsson told Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre that he desired to stay in Arizona.

“It’s just money. It’s not going to make you happier,” the defenceman said in March. “It might make your life a little bit easier but it’s not going to make you happier. I feel if you’re around good people, that’s what makes you happy. I feel like I have that here. This is where I want to be.”

As per league rules, only Arizona is able to offer an eight-year extension. Any other potential suitor can offer a maximum of seven years if he tests free agency in July of 2019.

In a full 82 games this season, the 26-year-old scored 14 goals and added 28 assists.

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