Keith Yandle Signs 1-Yr Deal with Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers keep making changes to their blue line. After adding Rasmus Ristolainen and Ryan Ellis via trade, the team will be adding offensive defenseman Keith Yandle to the mix. Reports are he’s agreed to a one-year deal worth $900K, as per Elliotte Friedman.

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Yandle to PHI — 1 year, $900K, NTC. Forgot he has played for Vigneault, so knows the coach.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 27, 2021

Yandle’s active games played streak stands at 922, the second longest in NHL history behind only with 964 from 1975-1987. One of the keys for him signing a new deal was that he would go to a team that understood his desire to play. It wasn’t necessarily about the money, but about working with a coach who knew how important it was he get ice time. He’ll go back to playing under Allain Vigneault and he’ll look to break the record in the Flyers 43rd game of the season against the Detroit Red Wings.

Essentially, Yandle is a one-way offensive defenceman and powerplay specialist. He’s going to help the Flyers in that regard and it’s a very team-friendly contract. Outside of power play minutes, he’s likely to be sheltered on the third pair. Having moved Shayne Gostisbehere to the Arizona Coyotes in a trade last week, Yandle is essentially his replacement for offense from the blue line, but at a much less expensive cost.

Yandle scored 27 points in 56 games last season with the Panthers. It was a strong season for him but it will be interesting to see if he has another good year in Philadelphia, or if this is just a final season meant to get him to the consecutive games-played record.

It was reported that Flyers’ GM Chuck Fletcher really wanted to change the mix and chemistry of the team this offseason. He’s added a number of guys who are known to be vocal and demanding but respected teammates.

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