Phoenix Coyotes keeps All-Star defenseman Keith Yandle with a 5-year, $26.25 million contract –NHL Update
Phoenix Coyotes had to cross some boundaries, but it emerged successful in retaining its All-Star defenseman for over five seasons, Keith Yandle, by signing him to a five-year, $26.25 million contract on Tuesday, after a series of negotiations between his
agent and Coyotes' management.
Phoenix's general manager, Don Maloney, had a lot on his mind entering the offseason but now he can focus on other things after having re-signed Yandle.
"Keith is an alternate captain, he fits into our culture and he fits into our future, and when we looked at the term, even with dollars spent, I thought it was good value for a top young Norris Trophy-potential defenceman that I still believe has upside
to his game", Maloney said.
Yandle, drafted as a 105th overall pick in round-four of the 2005 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft, had not been expected to reach the heights he has in the previous five years.
He put up only two points in his first seven games with Coyotes during the 2006-2007 season, but gradually picked up the pace from there.
The 24-year-old certainly has a bright future ahead of him and wants to remain in Phoenix to take his original draft team along for the ride as well.
"Obviously, I'm very excited to get it done today and have the rest of the summer to can focus on what we need to accomplish next year", Yandle said. "Getting it done now is the best thing that could have happened and signing the five-year deal just shows
how much I believe in the team and believe in Phoenix".
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, United States, Keith Yandle has participated in all 82 games with Phoenix for the last two seasons.
He continued to get better as he scored 41 points, 12 goals and 29 assists, during the 2009-2010 season and reached a new career-high with 59 points, 11 goals and 48 assists, last season, which is extremely impressive for a defenseman.
Coyotes has reached the playoffs twice, consecutively, with Yandle in its line-up now, but with further changes, it hopes to go deeper than ever and eventually lift up the Stanley Cup.
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