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The Florida Panthers Need To Get More Out Of Keith Yandle

By Daniel Janicas

Jan 20, 2017; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Keith Yandle (3) warms up against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Keith Yandle (3) warms up against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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After signing Keith Yandle to a 7 year 44.5million dollar deal, it seems like he hasn’t lived up to his contract yet.

The purpose of signing Yandle was to replace Brian Campbell. Many of us were excited that for once, a top-tier free agent chose to sign with Florida. Firstly, the Panthers needed to trade for Yandle’s rights, which cost a 2016 6th round pick and a 2017 4th round (conditional) pick. Secondly, after trading for his rights, the team needed to negotiate and sign him to a deal.

After trading for his rights, it wouldn’t have made any sense if the Cats didn’t throw Yandle a legitimate offer. Of course, we ended up giving him a 7 year deal, with a cap hit of $6,350,000, for the next 7 seasons. I wasn’t mad about the salary in which he’s earning, considering how good he’s been in the past. What I’m concerned about is his term (length of contract).

Keith’s contract is far too long in term. It may or will most likely comeback to bite us at some point in the future. The issue with defenseman’s like Keith when it comes to Free Agency is you either gamble with the money (cap hit, salary etc.), or you spread the pay out for a longer length of time (term). Both parties chose the 2nd option.

At age 30, it would be absurd to claim that Yandle will continue his production all the way till he hits 37. At that point of his career, it will likely signal a sign for retirement or career change. As much as I like Keith as a human and as a player, he’s not getting any younger and will start to decline soon.

For a guy of his cost, Yandle’s advanced statistics weren’t very good. This past season, Keith’s CF% (Corsi For %) was only a 50.53%. My rule of thumb is if it’s under 50%, it’s not good. If it’s just over 50% or 50% exactly, it’s okay. If it’s significantly higher than 50%, then well it’s good. For a guy costing the team 6.5 mill in cap space, you’d expect for his CF% to at least be in the mid to high 50’s.

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Secondly, his xGF (Expected Goals For) to xGA (Expected Goals Against) is pretty bad, to say the least. Yandle ended the season with an xGF of 51.14. His xGA was 59.46. Keith’s xGA was 9 times higher than his xGF. That’s bad. The difference between the two figures should never be so high. Considering the fact that this is Keith Yandle (offensive defenseman) and not a bottom pairing defenseman. To be fair though, defense was never Yandle’s strength. Offense has always been his “forte”.

Keith’s offensive production this year wasn’t bad. It was decent, leaving room for improvement. In 82 games, Yandle put up 5 goals, 36 assists, combining for 41 points all together. 41 points isn’t bad, considering he’s a defenseman. If the Cats have a better season next year, I wouldn’t be surprised to even see Yandle hit the 50 point mark, possibly grabbing 10 goals. A reasonable yet achievable goal.

Yandle will need to improve on his defensive play, if we are truly ever going to get the best out of him. Finding him a new d-partner may be tough, considering the surplus of offensive minded defenseman that we have. For a guy of his pay, he will need to elevate his game both in the offensive and defensive zone. If we are going to bring the best out of Yandle, it starts with finding him a reliable defensive defenseman who will cover his back at all times.

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