Tobias Rieder not close to new deal with Arizona Coyotes

After a breakout season in 2015-16, restricted free agent Tobias Rieder and the Arizona Coyotes are reportedly nowhere close to agreeing to a new deal.

Arizona Coyotes forward Tobias Rieder set numerous career highs in the 2015-16 season with 82 games, 14 goals, 23 assists, and 37 points. One would have figured that it wouldn’t take long for the restricted free agent and the Coyotes to agree to a new deal. However, the two sides are reportedly nowhere close to agreeing to a new contract.

From Arizona Sports:

"Rieder’s agent, Darren Ferris, continues to assert that the two sides are not close to a deal, with a significant difference of opinion on what Rieder is worth. Ferris said he has some strong interest from European and KHL clubs, and he also intimated on Friday that Rieder could receive an offer sheet from another NHL team."

The 23-year old Rieder had a 4.2 percent Corsi For percentage last season, serving as a puck-moving catalyst on a team that was one of the worst puck possession teams in the NHL. It’s a bit interesting that the two sides are disagreeing about value, especially since their new front office employees have proven to be strong supporters of analytics.

A trade could be possible. Numerous teams would be interested in him. Rieder did very well last season despite not having ideal linemates. He proved to be very effective on both the power play and the penalty kill for the Coyotes, averaging over two minutes per game on both. Speed is a coveted asset in today’s NHL, and Rieder certainly has that.

Of course, this could all just be a negotiation tactic as Rieder and his agent hope to get a bigger contract. But it is a bit concerning that the two sides haven’t agreed to terms on a new deal yet.

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