Arizona Coyotes forward Tobias Rieder does not plan to join the team for training camp as he awaits a new contract, according to his agent, Darren Ferris.
"We've made them a fair offer at two years at $2.5 million a year, and they're unwilling to do it," Ferris said, according to AZCentral. "Tobi brings a lot of intangibles to that team. I know he's a fan favorite. He loves Arizona, but it's disappointing that they're unwilling to compensate this kid fairly."
Ferris said that the sides aren't far apart, but a deal is not considered imminent.
Rieder is a restricted free agent. If the two sides do not come to an agreement by Dec. 1, he will be ineligible to play in the NHL this season.
"Tobi brings a lot of intangibles to that team. I know he's a fan favorite. He loves Arizona, but it's disappointing that they're unwilling to compensate this kid fairly." Agent Darren Ferris, on contract negotiations between Tobias Rieder and the Coyotes
Coyotes general manager John Chayka said he would not comment on the negotiation.
"It's disappointing," Chayka said. "He's a big part of our team, and we like him a lot. We feel like we've made him some real considerable long-term offers that are right on par with the longest offers we've ever made in this organization. We want him to be here and get engaged with his teammates and join the club. But it's business, too. He's not the first guy to go through this and probably won't be the last."
Rieder is playing in the World Cup with Team Europe, which reached the finals with an overtime win over Sweden on Sunday. A best-of-three finals against Canada begins Tuesday.
The 23-year-old Rieder appeared in all 82 games for the Coyotes last season, contributing 14 goals and 23 assists. He has one assist in four games at the World Cup.
