Ekman-Larsson agrees to extension with Coyotes

The Coyotes have reached a verbal agreement on a contract extension with defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, NHL sources confirmed to azcentral sports on Tuesday.

The term and salary of the deal are unknown, but Ekman-Larsson, 27, is believed to be seeking an extension that could last from six to eight years. Per the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the Coyotes are the only team that can offer an eighth year to Ekman-Larsson.

Ekman-Larsson, entering the final year of a six-year, $33 million deal, is not eligible to sign a contract extension until July 1, the start of free agency. He is part of a trio of star defensemen whose contracts expire after the 2018-19 season, joining Erik Karlsson (Ottawa Senators) and Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings).

Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, who just finished his first season with Arizona, will also see his current deal expire after the upcoming season. Coyotes President of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Chayka has been on the record expressing the club’s interest in retaining both Ekman-Larsson and Hjalmarsson.

“It’s important, and it’s something we’ve prioritized,” Chayka told azcentral sportslast week.

“We’ll do whatever possible to try and get those guys signed up here to be a part of our future. We’re having good discussions and will continue to have good discussions. But obviously nothing can happen until July 1, so we’re still in that process.”

Ekman-Larsson and Hjalmarsson are both represented by agent Kevin Epp, who is employed by Titan Sports Management and is in charge of contract negotiations for the agency, according to its website.