Maloney named general manager of Phoenix Coyotes

PHOENIX (Reuters) - New York Rangers' vice president of player personnel Don Maloney has agreed a multi-year contract to become general manager of the Phoenix Coyotes, the team said on Tuesday.

"We're very excited to have Don Maloney assume this critical role with the Coyotes and working with us to create a winning tradition for Coyotes hockey," Coyotes chief executive officer Jeff Shumway told a news conference.

"He has a great track record of building and developing young talent in organizations and his reputation is impeccable."

The 48-year-old Maloney replaces Mike Barnett, fired by the Coyotes in April during a front-office purge. In New York, Maloney helped General Manager Glen Sather with player transactions and contract negotiations.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to join a fantastic group of people," said Maloney, who played 11 seasons with the Rangers before spending a decade in the front office.

"I am very excited to work with this group to bring a winning atmosphere to the organization."

Terms of the deal were not released.

The Coyotes had the worst record in the Western Conference this season at 31-46-5.