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Arizona Coyotes sign Jordan Oesterle to deserved two-year extension

By Dave Stevenson

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 22: Arizona Coyotes Defenceman Jordan Oesterle (82) waits for a face-off during second period National Hockey League action between the Arizona Coyotes and Ottawa Senators on January 22, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 22: Arizona Coyotes Defenceman Jordan Oesterle (82) waits for a face-off during second period National Hockey League action between the Arizona Coyotes and Ottawa Senators on January 22, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Jordan Oesterle has been a pleasant surprise for the Arizona Coyotes, emerging as a consistent contributor. The Coyotes have rewarded him with a two-year extension worth $1.4 million annually. 

It has taken defenseman Jordan Oesterle a while to stick in the NHL. This season, he seems to have finally done so with the Arizona Coyotes. After failing to stick with the Edmonton Oilers, playing in 25 games over three seasons, he played over 50 games for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2017-18. He came to Arizona as a part of the Marian Hossa trade. The Coyotes have rewarded him with a two-year extension worth $1.4 million annually.

Oesterle was going to be a free agent after this season. He has already set career highs in numerous categories, including goals (six), assists (14), and points (20). Oesterle has done this despite playing under 20 minutes per game, averaging 19:02 of ice time.

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His 20 points are second among Coyotes defensemen. It trails only captain Oliver Ekmann-Larsson and his 28 points. Oesterle’s 2.78 percent relative GoalsFor percentage at five-on-five ranks second among Coyotes defensemen who have played at least 400 minutes at five-on-five.

While his possession numbers aren’t great, he has been a consistent member of their lineup. Oesterle has usually been in a third pairing role but has jumped up to the second pairing at times.

This is the first time in Oesterle’s career he has a deal which will pay him over $1 million per season. It seems like the undrafted free agent has finally found a home in Arizona. According to Cap Friendly, Oesterle will make $1.2 million in 2019-20 and $1.6 million in 2020-21.

This deal might sound like a relatively small one. However, a deeper look into the Coyotes blueline suggests it could be the start of something else. With this signing, the Coyotes now have seven defensemen for the 2019-20 season under contract.

However, they’re also investing about $30 million into their blueline in 2019-20, which isn’t ideal. The Coyotes also have defenseman Ilya Lybushkin to re-sign, as he’s a restricted free agent.

Next. 3 Players The Coyotes Should Trade For. dark

Don’t be surprised if the Coyotes trade one of their blueliners in exchange for some help at forward. Kevin Connauton, Jason Demers, and Alex Goligoski are all candidates to be moved. Connauton is the least expensive of the trio. Demers might have the most value of any Coyotes defenseman other than Ekman-Larsson and possibly Jakob Chychrun. Goligoski is the most expensive of the trio.

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