"I definitely did not want to go to arbitration," Martinook told the Coyotes website. "It's just a process that RFAs take when you have it. ... I'm happy I get to stay in Arizona for two more years. We've got a young team and we're trending in the right direction."
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Arizona's second-round choice (No. 58) in the 2012 NHL Draft, Martinook had 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 77 games for the Coyotes last season. He has 50 points (20 goals, 30 assists) in 166 games since making his NHL debut on Dec. 6, 2014.
"I think he's a versatile guy," general manager John Chayka said. "Last year, he played in a lot of situations, obviously played center and wing and played up and down the lineup ... Jordan is a guy that's going to push the envelope and try continue to evolve and improve himself as a player, but he comes back to being that hard-working, heavy forecheck penalty killer that's added a lot of value to our team and played in a lot of key situations. He's a good guy to have at your disposal."
Martinook was among three NHL players who received qualifying offers from the Coyotes. Center Nick Cousins, acquired in a trade from the Philadelphia Flyers on June 16, signed a two-year contract on July 1. Forward Anthony Duclair, who is not arbitration-eligible, has not signed. Chayka said negotiations are ongoing.
