Cat’s Question of the Week: Which Defenseman Will Pair With Keith Yandle?
Mar 29, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Thomas Greiss (1) makes a save as defenseman Keith Yandle (3) defends and Minnesota Wild right wing Jason Pominville (29) attacks during the third period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Love him or hate him, Coyotes fans cannot deny that Keith Yandle is a staple part of the team. Coming in above all other Coyotes last season with 53 points (8 G, 45 A), the defenseman arguably made one of the biggest differences on his team last year.
Of course, his incredible offensive push was offset by an abysmal puck possession record. With a -23 +/- rating and a noticeable weakness on his own end of the ice, Yandle was every team’s worst defensive nightmare.
Going into the upcoming season, therefore, GM Don Maloney and Head Coach Dave Tippett face a dilemma. The team’s alternate captain is a top-four pairing defenseman… but with his blue-line problems, which defenseman will best take Derek Morris‘s spot alongside him on the ice?