There are apparently quite a few rumors circulating in and around the NHL's desert these days, centering mostly on a couple of big-time pieces that could find themselves elsewhere ahead of the March trade deadline.
Both defenseman Keith Yandle and center Antoine Vermette are available and garnering significant interest from around the league, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.ca, per NicholsOnHockey.com.
The asking price for Yandle, a possession-pushing, offensive-minded defenseman, has apparently been set - and it's pretty high.
"I'm hearing that they've asked for a young player with a good young offensive player and a draft pick for Yandle," Friedman said.
As for Vermette, who is a strong, steady two-way center in the last year of his deal, it seems that due to the dearth of available center talent and Vermette's expected contract demands, the team is attempting to drum up as much interest in his services as possible.
"I think they're creating an auction on Vermette. Yandle still has another year. Vermette's a free agent. I think they've pretty much come to the realization it will be very hard for them to sign Vermette because I think the number starts with a 6. There just aren't any centers available."
Vermette, and his contract demands, could however become more attractive to teams were he to accept a shorter length on his next deal.
"Now, I'll tell you this. The interesting thing about Vermette is I think the Coyotes, and maybe a few other teams too, would be willing - because he's almost 33 - I think they'd be willing to give him a bit more salary if he was willing to take less term. I think that's the trademark some of these teams are looking at. They'll say, 'We'll give you a good number, if you take less term.'"
For a team in flux like Arizona - both on the ice and in the ownership box - taking what you can get for pieces whose value may never be higher, may be the best bet to improving the prospects - literally and figuratively - for the franchise over the long haul.
