Phoenix Coyotes Re-Sign Chris Summers to One-Year Deal

The Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed defenseman Chris Summers today to a one-year contract according to the team website. Summers, a restricted free agent, agreed to a qualifying offer which will keep him with the Coyotes franchise for a sixth straight season. His one-year qualifying offer is worth $803,250, according to www.CapGeek.com.

The 24-year-old defenseman spent last season shuttling between Phoenix and Portland (AHL). Summers appeared in 21 games with the Coyotes, collecting 3 assists and 11 penalty minutes. He played in 28 games in Portland, amassing 2 assists and 37 penalty minutes. The stay-at-home defenseman has registered 2 goals and 11 assists for 13 points in 109 games in his AHL career.

Summers played with the U.S. Hockey team at the U17, U18 and U20 levels. In 2006, he was part of the U18 team that won the gold medal at the IIHF U18 World Championships in Sweden.  He also starred at the University of Michigan, leading them to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and one NCAA Frozen Four.

The 6’2", 209 lbs blueliner will have a good opportunity to make the squad this year in training camp. He hopes to slide into the sixth defenseman spot which will be the most hotly contested position battle in camp.