The Coyotes locked up Keith Yandle to a long-term extension last offseason, but if they decide to deal the talented defenseman, it looks like he wouldn't mind going back to where it all started.
Yandle, a Boston native, "would love to play for the Bruins," according to CSNNE.com's Danny Picard. The news comes amidst speculation that the B's could look to add a top-pair defenseman to play alongside Zdeno Chara.
Yandle, who turns 26 on Sunday, would certainly fit that mold. He's been an All-Star the past two seasons, and has played in all of the Coyotes' games the past three years. He recorded a career-high 59 points (11 goals, 48 assists) in 2010-11, and compiled 11-32-43 totals last season while helping Phoenix reach the Western Conference Final.
The Coyotes understand how important Yandle is to their success, so they signed him to a five-year, $26.25 million extension last summer. He's been the subject of some rumors this offseason, though, with the Red Wings reportedly among the teams that have inquired about the defenseman.
Picard's source — which he describes as "close to Yandle" — said any potential trade to the Bruins could include David Krejci, who signed a three-year, $15.75 million deal that starts this season. However, that's pure speculation at this point, so the real news remains Yandle's apparent desire to play for his hometown club.
Yandle has amassed 43 goals, 144 assists, 187 points and is a plus-17 in 365 career regular season games.
Photo via Facebook/Keith Yandle
