As is probably typical for a team that hasn't played since Saturday and sits so low in the standings, the Coyotes rumours seem to be picking up steam this week.

Everywhere you look people are talking about trades:

Eklund mentioned yesterday that several teams have been inquiring about Doan and Bob Mackenzie mentioned that Yandle could finally be on the move, after what seems like years of speculation.

While I am happy to see Doan move on and play in the Playoffs and go for a Cup, I really want the Coyotes to keep Yandle, even though I admit I'm tempted to see what he could bring in.

Yandle drives possession. He makes players better. He's way underrated defensively and he has a ton of good years left. The Coyotes - even with terrible forwards - will always have one of the NHL's best Power-Plays when they have OEL and Yandle as a team. Not only that, but they have never even explored the potential of pairing the two of them together at even strength - something that I flat-out guarantee would make the team better.

But, while I want to keep Yandle, let's be realistic.

His value to the team right now is directly related to his trade value. He currently makes a very reasonable $5.25 against the cap and has the rest of this year and next year on his deal. That, in conjunction with the market for top pairing defensman should make the return for his services very high.

Add in the fact that there is just no way in which the Coyotes will re-sign him for the $8 million he'll command on the open market and it's time to move on.

Makes me sad to say it, but the best time to trade Yandle is today.

While there are lots of rumours, one team the Coyotes could really make something work with is the Leafs. The Leafs need a top pairing dman and also would probably have interest in Hanzal.

The Coyotes could help the Leafs by taking on some of their cap problems, and the Coyotes could replace Yandle with a future Yandle in Jake Gardiner and maybe a prospect like Nylander. Perhaps its just my proximity to the Leafs which makes this seem like the workable beginnings of a feasible trade, but I think the two teams make good trading partners....

Anyways, thanks for reading and let's hope Maloney move Yandle quickly to avoid it turning into some kind of gong show.

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