Coyotes Re-Sign Keith Ballard

[VodkaFish]

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have re-signed defenseman Keith Ballard to a two-year contract.

“We are very pleased to have signed Keith Ballard to a new contract,” said Maloney. “Keith has a great work ethic, plays hard and has a tremendous upside. We are excited to have him in our organization.”

Ballard, 24, registered 5 goals and 22 assists for 27 points as well as 59 penalty minutes (PIM) in 69 games with the Coyotes last season. He ranked 2nd among Coyotes’ defensemen in assists and points. The 5-foot-11, 208-pound defenseman also finished 2nd on the Coyotes overall in both hits (130) and blocked shots (135) and ranked 3rd on the team in time on ice per game (21:59). Ballard received the Coyotes’ Hardest Working Player Award for the second consecutive season as voted upon by fans.

In his first NHL season of 2005-06, Ballard collected 8 goals, 31 assists, 39 points and 99 PIM while playing in all 82 games. The Baudette, Minnesota native ranked 2nd among NHL rookies in assists and T-2nd points. Ballard also led all rookies in penalty minutes and shorthanded goals (3).

Following last season, Ballard represented Team USA at the 2007 World Championships in Moscow and recorded 3 assists and 16 PIM in 7 games. He also helped lead USA to a bronze medal at the 2004 World Championships when he was the only NCAA player on the squad.

Prior to joining the professional ranks, Ballard played three seasons at the University of Minnesota (WCHA) and twice helped lead the Golden Gophers to the NCAA Championship (2002, 2003). Ballard was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2004 and earned WCHA First All-Star Team honors in both 2003 and 2004.

The Coyotes acquired Ballard from Colorado with Derek Morris for Chris Gratton, Ossi Vaananen and a 2nd round choice in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft on Mar. 9, 2004. Ballard was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres (1st round, 11th overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

[R.Middleton]

Beat me to it and about damn time.(Ballard signing)

[mike56]

finally a good signing.

[jayc948]

Great signing for the Yotes.

[bupz91]

yeah great signing, i like ballard, hes thrown down with some people i like, iginla i think

[Isles4life]

Ballard's a good young defenseman for Phoenix who isn't afraid to throw down from time to time. Good signing.

[Lead]

Its great to see Yotes re-signed him. Probably one of the best hip-checkers out there.

[BGDDYKWL]

Word is the deal's for $4.55M. $2.05 mil the first year, and $2.5 mil the second.

[JKidd]

Very good resigning. He has quickly become a fixture on the blue line for the 'Yotes, and brings more than a few elements to the team. Able to dish out huge hip checks, chip in offensively and throw down when need be.

Wish he would have come home and played for us though.

[canuck2]

At times his giveaways were brutal last year. But he's a character guy who is future captain material. He adds some toughness although he is a pretty weak fighter. Part of a good group of Yote defensemen.

[Scott4]

Very good play by Coyotes! Pretty good old-time D-man! It was high time...