Keith Yandle

Keith Yandle
Yandle with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2010
Born	(1986-09-09) September 9, 1986 (age 30) Milton, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Position	Defense
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	Florida Panthers Arizona Coyotes New York Rangers
National team	United States
NHL Draft	105th overall, 2005 Phoenix Coyotes
Playing career	2006–present

Keith Michael Yandle (born September 9, 1986) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the New York Rangers and Arizona Coyotes, the organization he was drafted by in the fourth round, 105th overall, at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Yandle quickly established himself as a premier offensive defenseman, leading the Phoenix Coyotes in points in both the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons.

Yandle attended Milton High School and Cushing Academy, where he was close friends with the Washington Capitals' Chris Bourque, and was slated to attend the University of New Hampshire, where Yandle's brother Brian played from 2002 to 2006. However, Yandle decided to forgo his college eligibility and instead decided to play for the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Playing in 66 games in 2005–06, he tallied 25 goals and 59 assists for 84 points. The Wildcats won the QMJHL championship and Yandle took home the League's Emile Bouchard Trophy (best defenseman) and Telus Trophy (defensive player of the year).

Drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the fourth round, 105th overall, in 2005, Yandle made his NHL debut on October 11, 2006, against the Detroit Red Wings, logging 20 minutes of ice time in the game. In the 2007–08 season, he participated in the American Hockey League All-Star Game as a member of the PlanetUSA team.