Coyotes Lock Up Keith Yandle With Long-Term Deal

[enforcer55]

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed All-Star defenseman Keith Yandle to a five-year contract.

"Keith is an elite player and one of the game's best young defenseman," said Maloney. "He is an important part of our future and we are thrilled to sign him to a long-term contract."

Last season the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Yandle finished second on the Coyotes in scoring and ranked third among all NHL defensemen with 11-48-59 in 82 games. Yandle represented the Coyotes at the NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh, N.C. He was also named the NHL’s Second Star of the Month in January when he registered 3-14-17 in 14 games. He had a plus-9 rating in the month helping lead the Coyotes to an 8-4-2 record. Yandle finished the month of January with a nine-game point streak, recording 2-12-14 in that stretch.

In addition, Yandle led the Coyotes in average time on ice (24:22) and tied for the team lead in power-play points (26). His 24 power-play assists ranked sixth best in the NHL among defensemen and his 26 power-play points were eighth best. He also finished second on the team in penalty minutes (68), third in plus/minus (+12) and third in shots (199).

In five NHL seasons, the 24-year-old native of Boston, Mass., has recorded 32-112-144 and 172 penalty minutes in 283 NHL games.

Yandle was originally drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the fourth round (105th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

[HordiBrusk29]

The Coyotes couldn't afford to lose this guy.

[thepolishkid88]

What was the final salary figure for him? Thought I saw 5 yrs at $26 million, that would be a steal.

[JKidd]

Wherever the team moves to, the franchise and fans will have a premier offensive defenseman to build the back end around. Good re-up for Phoenix.

[canuck2]

He's a good new age NHL D. Much like mike green. He is below average in his own zone. But you need guys like this. Good signing.

[ghjkfdhgfd]

Damn, I like this guy, would love to see him in a Wild shirt. Oh well, good for the yotes........or w/e they will be in 2-3 years.