PHOENIX (Reuters) - The Phoenix Coyotes secured the cornerstone of their defense for seasons to come by signing All-Star Keith Yandle to a five-year contract extension, the National Hockey League (NHL) team said on Tuesday.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but local media reports said the contract is for $26.5 million.
"Keith is an elite player and one of the game's best young defenseman," Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney said in a statement. "He is an important part of our future and we are thrilled to sign him to a long-term contract."
One of the NHL's top young defensemen, Yandle, 24, finished second in team scoring and third among all NHL defensemen with 11 goals, 48 assists and 59 points.
A fourth round pick of the Coyotes in the 2005 draft, Yandle has recorded 32 goals and 144 points in five seasons.
(Writing by Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Frank Pingue)
