Keith Yandle (Photo: BridgetDS | FLickr)
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If you’re reading a post on Bluenote Zone in June… first of all, thank you!… you probably know I write for Hockeybuzz.com as well. My boss, Eklund, ran with a rumor he’s been following where the Pittsburgh Penguins would send a center west to the Phoenix Coyotes for a defenseman. The particulars?
Three people have told me about aspects of this
“Hearing Jordan Staal and prospect for Keith Yandle, a #2 this year, and a #3 next year (should Staal extend)”
That’s the rumor, take it or leave it.
While the deal as a standalone event may not make much sense, but if the Pens were able to ship out Paul Martin, the savings could cover the pending raises to their two more well known centermen. The Pens fan in me would love to carry on down that line of thinking, but this is a St. Louis Blues blog… so on to my point.
One of the worst kept secrets in the NHL is that the Blues are on the look out for a partner for stud defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. A search began a year ago during the 2o11 offseason. At that time Doug Armstrong had the ability to add a key player at the right price under the right circumstances. Something akin to the Jaroslav Halak deal where a young player with several productive years ahead of him could be brought in to grow with the organization. I don’t know if Yandle fit that bill for the Blues, but where there is smoke there is often fire and before Yandle inked his extension there was a fair amount of chatter suggesting his departure. There is little disputing his prowess as a defenseman. If he didn’t then, he probably does now.
Ek’s take is spot on, to me at least.
For Phoenix, who is in desperate need of a center, this makes a ton of sense. The Coyotes are also extremely deep on defense with more coming as they are just loaded with defensive prospect..so the idea they would trade a top d-man for a top center is hardly crazy.
The Coyotes need a center capable of filling a top line role. However, they faired pretty well this season and playoffs with Antoinne Vermette and Martin Hanzal. But what if Shane Doan and Ray Whitney were not to return. Mikkel Boedker and Radmin Vrbata are seviceable, but not top line options. Beyond a center, the Yotes need skill up front that can produce now. With Former Blues prospect David Rundblad and former 13th overall selection (2010) Brandon Gormley waiting to make waves at the NHL level, could Yandle be as expendable as some of the Blues forwards are now with Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko coming on board?
As unpopular as this next thought will be, it’s my gut feeling. David Perron is probably the second most skilled offensive threat, first being Andy McDonald, the Blues possess. Schwartz and Tarasenko sweat talent from their pores. Could Perron be used to fetch the parter for Petro? It may sound far fetched, but of the three RFA forwards, he arguably fits the Ken Hitchcock mold the least. Not to say Perron doesn’t backcheck or hustle, because he does. However, he isn’t as trusted in that regard as TJ Oshie and he doesn’t have the size and grinding, dirty area power that Chris Stewart does.
Teams have to give to get. With renewed depth waiting in the wings and new local ownership in place, it just might be the right time to roll the dice.
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So I ask this question: “If Keith Yandle really hits the trade market, should the Blues go after him? and if so: “What would you pay?”
