NHL Rumors: Five teams that should sign Keith Yandle

3. Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres desperately need to give their blue line a makeover. Moreover, they need at least one left-handed defenseman to play in their top four (preferably two). They will most likely pursue one in a trade considering their assets, but if they choose to pursue a top pairing/second pairing defenseman in free agency, Keith Yandle is the best one available.

Putting Yandle and young star defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen on the same pairing would go a long way to improving Buffalo’s defense. However, considering Zach Bogosian’s lack of puck movement and production, Yandle would pair well with the physical defenseman. He would give them a mobile power play quarterback, something that the Sabres have long needed.

Ristolainen is often asked to do way too much for the Sabres. He has handled it brilliantly, but Yandle would ease the burden on the young Finnish defenseman. If the Sabres want to spend big money on a free agent defenseman, Yandle is without a doubt their best bet. Alex Goligoski is a mighty fine defenseman, but he’s on the wrong side of 30.

Keith Yandle would add a veteran presence to the Sabres blue line. Not only that, he’d add a presence who can still be very productive.

Next: 2. Dallas Stars