Yandle inks 5-year deal with Coyotes

PHOENIX, July 5 (UPI) -- The Phoenix Coyotes announced Tuesday they have re-signed restricted free-agent defenseman Keith Yandle to a five-year contract.

The team didn't announce the terms of the deal, but The Arizona Republic reported it was worth $26.25 million.

Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney said the 24-year-old Boston native has become one of the NHL's best young defensemen after a season during which he set career highs in assists (48) and points (59) with 11 goals over 82 regular-season games.

"He is an important part of our future and we are thrilled to sign him to a long-term contract," Maloney said.

Yandle has racked up 32 goals and 144 points with 172 penalty minutes over 283 career games with Phoenix.