Agent: Raanta, Coyotes mutually interested in contract extension
Antti Raanta wants to be the starting goalie for the Arizona Coyotes beyond this season.
General manager John Chayka chose not to deal the impending unrestricted free agent prior to the trade deadline with some assurance from agent Kevin Epp that Raanta was interested in re-signing with the team at season's end.
"(Chayka) wanted to make sure that Antti wanted to stay a part of the Coyotes and do what they’re doing and build with them," Epp told Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports. "I said: 'Yeah, nothing has changed from our end.' He wanted to make sure we were on the same page. He didn’t want to try and keep a guy and then he signs somewhere else."
Epp added his client recognizes the rare opportunity to grab hold of a starter's job in today's NHL.
"Especially on a young team where you feel like it’s your team," Epp qualified. "For him, 'they got me to be the guy and I’m going to grow with this team.'"
Raanta was acquired last summer from the New York Rangers and has been solid despite some early injury issues. In 39 appearances, he's posted a record of 15-15-6 with a .924 save percentage.
He's in the final season of a two-year deal that carries a $1-million cap hit and is likely to command a hefty raise on his new contract.