The Phoenix Coyotes have signed defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a six-year contract.

“Oliver is an exceptional young player who will continue to improve as he matures,” GM Don Maloney said. “He is an important part of our future and we are pleased to have agreed on a long term contract.”

This season, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Ekman-Larsson leads all Coyotes defensemen in scoring and assists with 3-14-17 in 27 games.