Hanzal Signs in the Desert

The Phoenix Coyotes joined in on the restricted free agent parade by signing Martin Hanzal to a new deal on Friday. The deal is a 2-year, $3.6 million deal, with a $1.8 million salary cap hit to the team over the two seasons.  Hanzal is the last key restricted free agent on the books for the Coyotes and now they should have everyone ready to go for the opening of training camp, which goes in one week's time.

Hanzal had a pretty decent 2010 season with the Coyotes, scoring 11 goals and adding 22 assists in 81 games for the club and his play has definitely seen some improvements over the past couple of seasons.  With a good core of last year's Coyotes returning and some interesting new faces joining the club, Hanzal might experience some more growth in his game, especially if the confidence from his coaches grows as well.

Now, let's see what some of the experts are thinking about Hanzal.  He should be a candidate for a spot on your draft team, but how high should you take him?  The Hockey News says 42 points, Forecaster says 40 points and Dobber says 42 points, so the low-40s is where you should be looking for him this year.  I would be saying about the same, especially since the Coyotes are a lot more about scoring by committee and spreading the wealth.  A good support group of players for your pool team, indeed.