Another free agent signing for the team still NHL-owned Phoenix Coyotes.
Official release:
GLENDALE, ARIZONA -- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have re-signed center Martin Hanzal to a two-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed."We are happy to have re-signed Marty and have him in Phoenix for the start of training camp next week," said Maloney. "He is an important player for us who plays critical minutes against the best opposing forwards."
Hanzal, 23, recorded 11-22-33 and 104 penalty minutes (PIM) in 81 games for the Coyotes last season, setting career-highs in games played and penalty minutes. He also appeared in all seven of Phoenix's playoff games versus the Detroit Red Wings, collecting three assists.
The 6-foot-6, 228-pound Hanzal has appeared in 227 career NHL games with the Coyotes, recording 30-69-99 and 172 PIM. Hanzal made his pro debut with the Coyotes during the 2007-08 season, collecting 8-27-35 and 28 PIM. In his 1st NHL season he also ranked 2nd on the team in face-off wins (470) and 6th in points (35).
Hanzal was the Coyotes' top selection (1st round, 17th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
The Pisek, Czech Republic native has represented his country four times in international competition. Hanzal participated in the 2008 World Championships in Halifax and Quebec City. He also played in the 2007 World Junior Championships in Sweden and 2006 World Junior Championships in British Columbia. Hanzal also represented his country at the 2005 Under-18 World Junior Championships where he recorded 4-3-7 in seven games and was named to the tournament's All-Star Team.