NHL Free Agents: Keith Yandle – Rumors, Best Fits
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Free Agents Keith Yandle: Latest Rumors, FA Profile, 5 Best Fits
There’s no guarantees that he reaches July 1 without a new contract, but if he does, Keith Yandle will make for one of the most attractive defensive NHL free agents.
The plan all along was to re-sign Yandle in New York, which is why GM Jeff Gorton opted not to trade him at the deadline. Growing concerns with the salary cap could however force the Rangers to make difficult decisions. Once they sign their plethora of restricted free agents, the focus can turn to Yandle – if there’s enough money left over.
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Keith Yandle, 29, was originally a Coyotes draft pick taken 105th overall (4th round) back in 2005 from Cushing Academy, a U.S. High School program. He joined QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats a year later in 2005-06 and put up 84 points in 66 games as an 18-year-old rookie.
In 2006-07, Keith spent the majority of the year with AHL San Antonio posting 34 points in 69 games as a pro rookie. He also saw a seven-game stint with the Coyotes. More of the same a year later, although he split 2007-08 between the AHL and NHL. That year he produced 12 points in 43 games for Phoenix (now Arizona).
He stepped up full-time in 2008-09. Yandle would go on to spend the next seven and a half seasons in the Desert before being traded to New York at last year’s deadline. The Rangers gave up a hefty amount in the form of Anthony Duclair and a 1st round draft pick, so losing Yandle for nothing would be a major blow.
Keith Yandle has 72 goals, 297 assists (369 points) in 661 career regular season games. He also has six goals, 25 assists (31 points) in 51 playoff contests. Yandle’s single-season career-high came in 2010-11 when he posted 11 goals, 48 assists (59 points) in 82 games.
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Keith Yandle’s Resume:
– Named CHL Defenseman of the Year in 2005-06 (his only season in the CHL), CHL First All-Star Team, QMJHL Champion, QMJHL Defenseman of the Year
– AHL All-Star Game Appearance in 2007-08
– World Hockey Championship (Team USA) Appearance in 2010
– NHL All-Star Game Appearance in 2010-11 and 2011-12
NHL Free Agents: Keith Yandle Rumors/Speculation
via Sportsnet,
Yandle was taken off the trade table despite plenty of interest from buyers, specifically Dallas. “For the team to want me to stay here is special,” Yandle said on Feb. 29. “I love it here with the Rangers.”
“He’s definitely a tough decision moving forward,” coach Alain Vigneault said on Rangers breakup day. “I understand what he can bring. He’s a highly skilled player that takes risks sometimes.”
Yandle said he’d love to return but has to be smart and weigh all options.
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Potential Contract for Keith Yandle
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Unless the Rangers get Keith locked up prior to July 1, it’s likely he lands elsewhere.
Once he gets a sniff at what other teams are willing to pay, it will be near impossible for New York to match.
He’s only 29-years-old, and could easily land that big five or six-year contract he probably deserved. Expect a long line of suitors if Yandle heads the long list of defensive NHL free agents.
Projected Term: 4-6 years
Projected Salary: $5 million to $6.5 million dollars/year
Next: Rangers Should Expect Changes This Summer
5 Best Fits
Arizona Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings