As previously reported, Radim Vrbata is set to return to the Arizona Coyotes on a one-year deal. While the contract is still not signed, both parties have agreed to a one-year deal with a base salary of $1 million. The deal will have bonuses that will likely be incentive-based, giving the veteran winger a chance to maximize his ability and earnings while coming in at a low-risk for the Coyotes. The details of the contract were announced by Craig Custance.
Not signed yet but Coyotes & Radim Vrbata have agreed to a one-year deal with a base salary of $1 million. Deal will have bonuses.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) August 15, 2016
This will be Vrbata’s third stint with the Coyotes’ franchise, playing with them in 2007-08, then from 2009 until 2014. In six seasons with the Coyotes, Vrbata has skated in 428 games and tallied 137 goals and 288 points. On two separate occasions, Vermette has topped the 30-goal mark, and he’s topped the 20-goal mark five times.
After seeing a significant dip in production last season while playing with the Vancouver Canucks, Vrbata’s value also dropped significantly. Coming off of a two-year, $10 million contract, Vrbata will be playing on a one-year, “prove it” style deal for the first time in his career. It’s unclear how much his bonuses will add to the $1 million base salary, or what they will entail, but the Coyotes are taking a chance on an aging veteran who’s dying to show he still has what it takes to play in the NHL.