Have been dealing with a vicious case of the flu, so thanks to all our loyal readers for bearing with me over the last few days.... I'm currently chasing a hot rumor about a Western Canadian team honing in on an impact forward from the New York Islanders.

Also heard another interesting... and unrelated rumor today ... With the price tag on All-Star defenseman Keith Yandle being sky high, teams have been kicking tires to see if perhaps other Coyotes defenseman would be made available. Of course, Oliver Ekman-Larsson is an untouchable.... BUT it sounds like young David Rundblad COULD be available for the right return.

The Coyotes are enviably deep in defensemen, especially ones with an offensive flair in their game such as Ekman-Larsson and two-time All-Star selection Yandle. The club is still on the hunt to bolster the forward talent ... so the right deal could be out there for an offensive-minded young defenseman such as Rundblad if there isn't a blockbuster deal for Yandle in the offing.

Look, it's ALWAYS good for a team to deal from a position of strength and the Coyotes have what other teams covet.... They can stand pat and be just fine or make a deal and fill another need. That's a good place to be in for a GM, and Maloney is NOT under pressure to move Yandle's salary contrary to some reports.

Stay tuned...

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