The Arizona Coyotes are obviously pleased with the work that general manager John Chayka has done over the last several years. The team has signed the executive to a long-term extension, though did not release the contract details. New owner Alex Meruelo released a statement:
We are extremely pleased to sign John to a long-term contract extension. 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, 30, became the youngest general manager in NHL history when he was given the job in 2016 and has been a part of a complete franchise makeover. Not only were franchise icons like head coach Dave Tippett, captain Shane Doan and goaltender Mike Smith moved out of town, but the ownership also changed several times including the sale to Meruelo this summer.
Not only has the team turned into a legitimate playoff contender, but it seems as though for the first time in quite a while there is real franchise stability in the desert. Chayka’s time has been marked by long-term extensions to his key players, including massive commitments to Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Clayton Keller.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports that Chayka had a year and a half left on his previous deal, but obviously the organization felt it was the right time to lock him up.