"Nik is an elite defenseman and a true professional on and off the ice," said Chayka. "He has a great work ethic and is an excellent role model for our younger players. We're thrilled to have him signed for the next three years."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, July 1, 2018 GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Arizona Coyotes President of Hockey Operations & General Manager John Chayka announced today that the Coyotes have signed defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson to a two-year contract extension. Hjalmarsson is now under contract through the 2020-21 season. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"I'm very happy about the contract extension," said Hjalmarsson. "We have a very good nucleus of young, talented players in Arizona and I'm looking forward to helping these players continue to grow and develop. The Coyotes have a very bright future and I'm excited to be a part of it."

The 6-foot-3, 197-pound Hjalmarsson registered 1-8-9 with 18 penalty minutes (PIM) in 48 games with the Coyotes last season. He also finished the season second on the team with 118 blocked shots and his 1,273 blocked shots since the 2009-10 season is the sixth-most by all NHL skaters since that time.

The 31-year old native of Eksjo, SE won three Stanley Cups with Chicago and has totaled 24-128-152 with 256 PIM in 671 career NHL games. He also earned an Olympic Silver Medal along with current Coyotes' defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson for Team Sweden in 2014, in addition to skating in four games with Sweden in the 2016 World Cup.

Hjalmarsson was originally selected in the fourth round (108th overall) by Chicago in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Video: Chayka: Hjalmarrson's a Winner