If you try to come up with the worst, most disappointing way to end an 866-game iron man streak, use Keith Yandle from the Florida Panthers as your inspiration. As per a report on Tuesday, it is expected that, at some point, during the 2020-21 NHL season, Yandle will not play. The reason? Simply because the Panthers don’t want to put him out on the ice.
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According to TSN’s Frank Seravalli, while on Insider Trading, he notes: “Keith Yandle has fallen out of favour with the Florida Panthers, they’ve let it be known to him that he does not factor into their plans for this season.”
Ouch. From there, it sounds like the Panthers have contemplated sending him to the taxi squad but can’t because he holds a no-move clause and cannot be put on waivers without permission. Because the Panthers hands are tied, the next step is to simply make him a healthy scratch.
Yandle has been working a 866-gam iron man game streak dating back 11 calendar years and this is not good news if he’s hoping to keep that streak alive. That said, some will argue this is the price you pay for playing lazy defense and focusing exclusively on earning points instead of playing two-way hockey.
Reports are that Yandle has been on the “B” squad at Panthers’ training camp and that it might be an indication that he’s not in their good books and Florida Hockey Now writes, “The Florida Panthers and new GM Bill Zito appear to be considering moving Keith Yandle, just as the waiver wire was flooded with viable NHL talent.”
Head coach Joel Quenneville wouldn’t reveal much about Yandle’s status other than to say:
“Yands has got some great experience. We’ve got a number of defensemen, more than we started with right now…which is some younger guys and some opportunities that we’ve been watching guys and getting to see what they can do. We’ll see how it all plays out.”
The Dangers On Never Playing Defense
Yandle has been a strong offensive defenseman in the NHL for over a decade. But, he’s often critiqued for being awful in his own zone. Considering he makes $6.35 million for the next three seasons, if the Panthers agree, they’re likely a bit bitter than his contract is handcuffing the team.
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