NHL Rumors: Five teams that should sign Keith Yandle
![Mar 3, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle (93) gathers the puck ahead of Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Mar 3, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle (93) gathers the puck ahead of Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c001a215e4736e1a57c246c34ecf4ee3d7eccea7d9c9630855edb97bb1fa24c9.jpg)
2. Dallas Stars
Keith Yandle would be a perfect fit on the offensive powerhouse Dallas Stars. The Stars would be wise to sign him, especially if they lose Jason Demers and Goligoski to free agency. Yandle’s skating ability and production would help the Stars replace Goligoski as the team looks to contend for a Stanley Cup.
One could argue that Yandle would be a better option than Goligoski. They are extremely similar players, but Yandle is younger than Goligoski. Looking at how many defensemen suffer severe declines in production around the age of 32, the 14 month difference between Yandle and Goligoski is pretty significant. Goligoski probably has a year, two years at most, left in him as a point producer. Yandle has at least two or three.
However, there is one reason why Keith Yandle might not be a perfect fit with the Stars. Yandle’s greatest strength is his ability to make things happen on the power play. The Stars already have a brilliant young defenseman in John Klingberg who is even better than Yandle is on the power play.
Having Yandle and Klingberg as power play options is very tempting, but can they afford to have both? Do the Stars want to pay Keith Yandle over $6 million a season if they might not be able to utilize him properly? That’s a risk that a Stanley Cup contender like the Stars should be willing to take.
Next: 1. Boston Bruins