Keith Yandle Continues To Be Invaluable For New York Rangers

The New York Rangers’ recent 5-2 win over the Boston Bruins might as well have been called the Keith Yandle show. The Rangers’ 29-year-old defenseman showed everyone why he is one of the best defensemen in the game, especially when it comes to the power play.

The Rangers have had their fair share of excellent defensemen over the years, but they haven’t had a power play quarterback like Yandle since Brian Leetch left. Against the Bruins, Yandle notched two power play assists in the first period, both of which were primary assists. Over the last 20 games, the power play has been clicking for the Rangers at an excellent 28 percent clip. Much of that success has been due to the increased use of Yandle on the power play.

Yandle is averaging 1.51 assists per 60 minutes this season, good for third in the NHL behind Erik Karlsson and John Klingberg. He leads the Rangers with 37 assists and 17 power play assists, and he also leads the team’s defensemen with 42 points. He is also third in the NHL in primary assists with 24, trailing only Karlsson and Roman Josi.

The fact that the Rangers are playing coy when it comes to re-signing Yandle is mind-boggling. As Yandle’s ice time has increased so has the Rangers’ offensive prowess, especially on the power play. Over the years, the power play has been a source of frustration for the Rangers, but Yandle has changed that. He has been everything the team has been searching for since Leetch left, and now that they have him they might lose him.

It is imperative that the Rangers do everything in their power to keep Yandle. He is one of the best offensive weapons the Rangers have had in decades. He makes everyone better, especially on the power play. He should be the top priority for the Rangers this offseason, and if they have to make a trade or two to clear some cap space, then so be it. They can’t afford to let Yandle walk.