It's fair to say Oliver Ekman-Larsson has demonstrated that he's committed to Arizona in every way imaginable.
On Tuesday, just days after signing an eight-year contract extension with the Coyotes, the 26-year-old from Sweden and the Arizona Coyotes Foundation presented Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale with a $125,000 donation.
"I've been a part of this for a couple years now, and I think that they are doing a really good thing for the community," Ekman-Larsson said after making the donation. "I want to be part of making a difference in kids' lives, and this is what I'm all about. I'm happy to be a part of this."
.@BGCGS has always meant a lot to @OEL23.
Today, as a token of his commitment to the #Yotes and to the Valley community, he presented the organization with a donation of $125,000. pic.twitter.com/UiENX3L7xp
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) July 11, 2018
Ekman-Larsson was drafted by the Coyotes in 2009 and has spent his entire NHL career in the Valley. A two-time NHL All-Star Game selection, he has been among the team's leading scorers in each of his last five seasons and has developed a reputation as one of the league's top defensemen.
Earlier this month, Ekman-Larsson signed an eight-year extension worth over $8 million per season. That move, along with a series of important free-agent signings and a key trade, could have the Coyotes poised to build on an outstanding end to last season in which they went 17-10-2 in their final 29 games.
"I want to be the guy who makes a difference on the ice and in the community, too. I'm super excited about signing a new contract here and can't wait for the season to start," Ekman-Larsson said.
Still the nicest guy in the @NHL. ☺️ pic.twitter.com/HEzTFbakyX
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) July 11, 2018
