NHL Trade Rumors: Keith Yandle Would Boost Red Wings Defense

The Detroit Red Wings are in dire need of some defense this summer after losing Nicklas Lidstrom and Brad Stuart.

Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle would be of great help.

Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News reported on Wednesday that the Red Wings had asked about Yandle.

The Red Wings have reportedly already been looking at Jay Bouwmeester of the Calgary Flames, but there are some issues with this prospect.

For one, he would likely require a great package of impact players and young, developing talent. Secondly, he's 28 years old, he's never been a particularly physical player and he's already shown a decline on the offensive side of the puck.

Yandle, on the other hand, is 25 years old and one of the top young defensemen in the league. He's an all-around player who will help you on both sides of the puck, and he's just realizing his potential as a defender. He also has four years remaining on his contract.

Sure, Yandle will also be pricey, but he offers far more reward than Bouwmeester and will be a much better fit for a team trying to add pieces down the road to make up for the holes left by Lidstrom and Stuart.

There is a bit of an obstacle in the way, however. Krupa reports that the Coyotes are still in a murky ownership situation and there's even the chance of the NHL shutting down the franchise and holding a dispersal draft. That means the Red Wings may have to act fast or miss out on him completely.

The Red Wings have a right to be hesitant about Yandle given his potentially high price tag, but they are going to be sorry if they don't add him before it's too late. There is no question they need some help on defense.