No. 2: Keith Yandle
If you want a defenseman who’s going to play every night, Keith Yandle is your man.
Prior to a healthy scratch last year, Yandle had played in 989 consecutive NHL games, becoming the league’s “iron-man.” Being healthy-scratched is a tough way to lose your streak, but that was unfortunately the reality for the 35-year-old.
Yandle had a tough year with the Philadelphia Flyers last year, but who didn’t? That team was a joke and they blew up their roster, eventually trading Claude Giroux at the deadline. The iron-man streak may have caught up to Yandle, but he’s only two years removed from being a 45-point defenseman and three years from a 62-point campaign.
Yandle’s biggest attribute has always been his point production, as he’s consistently been a great assist-man and someone who can quarterback a power-play throughout his career.
At this point in his career, Yandle is without an NHL contract for next year and can still help an organization.
Toronto could still use another power-play specialist on the blue-line, so Yandle could be a perfect candidate to bring in on a PTO and potentially be someone who pushes Jake Muzzin out the door, as the Leafs still need to clear some salary-cap space.