Boedker on future with Coyotes: 'It's their turn to show what I mean to the team'

Arizona Coyotes forward Mikkel Boedker says the club will have to commit to keeping him around next summer if he does his part this season.

The 25-year-old winger, who signed a one-year deal with the Coyotes in July, says he will consider staying in Arizona - but it will depend how the season goes.

"I'm open for anything," Boedker told FOX Sports Arizona's Craig Morgan. "It obviously puts a lot of pressure on me this season but I think it's their turn to show what I mean to the team. In some ways, it will be interesting to see, but I have to perform on the ice."

Boedker scored 14 goals and added 14 assists in 45 games for the Coyotes in 2014-15, a season cut short by a ruptured spleen. He notched 19 goals and 51 points in 2013-14.

"It doesn't help if I'm just another guy on the ice," he said. "You have to prove that you are something important for the team. I'm hoping to come back stronger than ever and make an impact."

Agent Jarrett Bousquet said the Coyotes' uncertain future played a role in the one-year agreement. General manager Don Maloney said Boedker's health and untapped potential were also factors.

The Coyotes' eighth-overall pick in 2008 had two offers on the table before signing the one-year pact at a reported $3.75 million.

"There was another contract that was on the table and we looked at them both and this one made the most sense for me," he said.

"It's a difficult situation when the negotiation goes that long, but when the final decision was made it had nothing to do with where the team was going to play, whether it was in Scottsdale or downtown or in Glendale. It was the best situation for me going forward."

Boedker is encouraged by his progress as he continues to work his way back into game shape.

"It's been a very good summer," he said. "All the workouts I got from (Coyotes strength and conditioning coordinator) J.P. Major have been very good for me. I followed his instructions, I'm feeling good and strong in my abdominals and I'm ready to get going."