The Arizona Coyotes formally announced a long term contract extension with President of Hockey Operations/General Manager John Chayka. Per franchise policy, terms of the deal were no disclosed.
According to a press release from the Coyotes:
"Since taking over as the Coyotes General Manager in 2016, the 30-year-old Chayka has completely reshaped the Coyotes roster by acquiring numerous key players through trades including forwards Phil Kessel, Nick Schmaltz, Derek Stepan, Carl Soderberg, Lawson Crouse and Vinnie Hinostroza. Chayka also acquired defensemen Niklas Hjalmarsson, Jason Demers and Jordan Oesterle and goaltenders Antti Raanta and Darcy Kuemper. In addition, Chayka signed free agents Alex Goligoski and Michael Grabner and drafted forwards Clayton Keller and Barrett Hayton along with defenseman Jakob Chychrun."
The Coyotes are currently 9-6-2 with 20 points in the Pacific Division. With a collection of impressive young talent, Coyotes majority owner Alex Merulo believes Chayka is the person to lead the 'Yotes back to the postseason and beyond:
"We are extremely pleased to sign John to a long-term contract extension," said Meruelo. "John is one of the brightest and hardest-working general managers in the entire NHL and over the past four seasons, he has done an excellent job of rebuilding our franchise and transforming the Coyotes into a contender. I am fully confident that John is the right person to lead us moving forward and help us bring the Stanley Cup to Arizona."
Chayka remains the youngest General Manager in major North American professional sports.
John Chayka joins The Drive with Jody Oehler every Monday at 9:00 AM on Fox Sports 910.