Keith Yandle – New York Rangers
May 22, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle (93) during the second period of game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Here in Arizona we know Yandle quite well since he played his entire NHL career up until last season on the Arizona Coyotes’ blue-line. He has proven to the Rangers he was worth giving up a young, promising prospect in Anthony Duclair. While the Coyotes are drooling over the possibilities that Duclair (especially when you add in Max Domi) presents, they really do miss Yandles’ offensive talents. Taking up those reins admirably has been Oliver Ekman-Larsson, without any disappointment. Yandle showed off his talents to the New York fans by putting up 11 points in 21 games, and then adding another 11 points during the Rangers playoff games.
For all his offensive abilities Yandle will be seeking a deal in the range of $6 million per season. Yands is known for his power play quarterbacking traits, and many teams covet that asset. He skates well, and stick handles with deft skills. He just logged so many minutes while here in the desert, it made his defensive games go south. His size at 6’ 1”, 190 lbs., doesn’t scare too many huge NHL forwards.
There’s literally a very miniscule chance that the Arizona Coyote want to eat crow and take Yandle back, or that he would even consider it. I say that with tongue in cheek, due to the fact that the Yotes have welcomed back Michalek, Vermette, and Gordon to the fold once again. I seriously doubt that Yandle will be headed back to Arizona.
Next: Brent Seabrook