NHL Trade Rumors: Phoenix Coyotes Close to Dealing Keith Yandle?

The NHL draft always seems to be a catalyst for trade rumors and teams looking to make deals. Rick Nash is available, Bobby Ryan is available, Jordan Staal became available on Thursday when he turned down an extension offer and now word is out that Keith Yandle is the next contestant of the NHL's "The Price is Right."

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Hearing #coyotes have put yandle back In play. He was available for the right price @ the deadline.Deal is close. #sndraft

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"— Daren Millard (@darenmillard) June 22, 2012"

Keith Yandle, according to Daren Millard, was available at the trade deadline in February for the right price. Yandle is a young and physical puck-moving defenseman with tons of offensive upside. He is locked in for the next four years at a cap charge of $5.25 million.

This is a solid rate for a young offensive defenseman with 40-plus-point potential. It is interesting to see Yandle on the table now, but it could be linked to the Jordan Staal announcement.

The Coyotes need a top center. The Penguins could stand to upgrade their defense and Yandle would fit the bill in Pittsburgh. Likewise, Staal would be a solid fit in Phoenix playing alongside Shane Doan.

It could be a match made in paradise, but only time will tell to see if the two sides come together to make a deal. There will be tons of teams who will show interest in Yandle, and it wouldn't be surprising if a deal came during the NHL draft on Friday.