NHL Trade Deadline: Possible Destinations For Keith Yandle
By Tony Fischer
There are five to six teams looking for defensemen as the 2015 NHL Trade deadline approaches. With Andrej Sereka and Daniel Winnik already a part of trade deals, the Arizona Coyotes are in the unique position of having one of the top rental defensemen left on the board.
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Keith Yandle could help to hasten the Coyotes rebuilding efforts. With so many buyers in the trade market, the Coyotes stand to get a good return for their veteran defensemen. Here are some of the teams that could be making a bid for Yandle’s services down the stretch.
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings need an experienced offensive minded defensemen to bolster their young defensive corp for a playoff run. Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland loves to add veterans at the trade deadline and Yandle could fit the bill.
The Red Wings have enough young assets to make any trade offer enticing but they may stop short of offering a high draft pick in return for a rental player. However the Wings are deep at forward and goaltender making it possible for the Coyotes to get a good return if they offer the right package.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are also charging up for a cup run and could face the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Those two factors could combine to make a move for Yandle to not only bolster their defense but also block the Red Wings from doing the same.
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Former Red Wing and current Tampa Bay General Manager Steve Yzerman may have learned a thing or two from working in Detroit’s front office under Ken Holland. That means he could be stingy if asked to give up a pick.
"“In general, I’m not a big fan of giving up premium assets and top high draft picks and top prospects for rentals,” Yzerman told the Tampa Bay Times recently. “In our state right now, I don’t think it’s appropriate. And a player to give that up for is not out there right now.”"
Rest assured Detroit and Tampa will be watching each other closely and the competition could drive up the price for Yandle.
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks have had some injuries on the blueline as of late. Sami Vatanen wil miss the next month with a lower body injury and considering his ability to help the offense that could hurt the Ducks playoff chances.
Yandle could be a reasonable replacement for Vatanen and the Ducks have plenty of cap space in which to fit his $5.5 million cap hit.
New York Rangers
The cap-strapped Rangers need help but lack the resources to make a solid offer for Yandle in this market.
With at least three other teams potentially in on Yandle the Rangers may be forced to look at the second tier to solve their problems on defense.