Coyotes Re-Sign Mikkel Boedker and Viktor Tikhonov

The Phoenix Coyotes have announced that they have re-signed right wing Mikkel Boedker to a two-year contract worth $2.2 million and left wing Viktor Tikhonov to a one-year, two-way contract. Boedker's deal will have an annual salary cap hit of $1.1 million, while the financial terms of Tikhonov's contract were not announced. In 34 games last season with the Coyotes, Boedker had four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He also appeared in 36 games with San Antonio of the AHL, scoring 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points. Tikhonov played in 60 games with San Antonio, scoring 10 goals and 23 assists for 33 points. He last played in the NHL during the 2008-09 season. These aren't bad signings for the Coyotes, as both players still have enough upside to secure at least top-nine roles with the team. Boedker has lots of speed, plenty of offense and two-way upside, and is versatile enough to play as a left wing, while Tikhonov has some two-way upside and scoring potential. However, both players were rushed to the NHL after they were drafted and have struggled as a result. After playing much of the past two seasons in the AHL, Boedker should be ready for a full-time spot on either the third or fourth line. Tikhonov will likely start the 2011-12 season in the minors, but could be among the first players called-up if injuries start to occur.