Yandle’s Iron Man streak in jeopardy as he’s fallen out of favour with the Panthers

Keith Yandle has got the longest active games played streak (866), and is fourth all-time. However, it now appears that the streak is in jeopardy. 

TSN senior hockey writer Frank Seravalli explained on last night edition of Insider Trading that the veteran defenseman isn’t in the Florida Panthers’ good books anymore and could be forced to sit games out. 

“Keith Yandle has fallen out of favour with the Florida Panthers. They’ve let it be known to him that he does not factor into their plans for this season. And I think in a perfect world for the Panthers, they would send Yandle to the taxi squad. But in this case, he holds the hammer with a full no-move clause and cannot be put on waivers without his permission. So, the plan at this point is to make Keith Yandle a healthy scratch at some point. It may be on Opening Night. They’ve got some time. They’ve had some games postponed because of COVID-19. But in this case, whether it’s Opening Night or Day 5, that 866-game ironman streak dating 11 calendar years is in jeopardy and that’s going to sting for a guy like Keith Yandle whose contract is also really difficult to move."

During Sunday’s practice in Florida, head coach Joel Quenneville split the team into two groups— guaranteed lineup locks and guys on the bubble and Yandle landed in the latter group. Quenneville did say that these groups are fluid, but reiterated that he wants to see what the younger defensemen can do. 

Yandle’s $6.35 million cap hit and no-move clause provide plenty of job security — but it’s certainly alarming that he’s falling out of favour in Florida. His 866-Iron Man game streak dates back 11 calendar years. What a way for it to end. Makes me sick… 

We love a good Iron Man streak, but it sounds like this one may be coming to an end.