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No contract extension talks between Rangers and Keith Yandle, agent says

James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports / USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers paid a pretty penny to acquire Keith Yandle last season, but they don't appear to be in any rush to secure his services long term.

With the defenseman set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, there have been no talks between the two sides in regards to a contract extension, according to Yandle's agent, Jerry Buckley.

"We haven’t had any discussions with the Rangers," Buckley told Larry Brooks of the New York Post on Tuesday. "There is no timetable as far as we are concerned.

"I know Keith likes it in New York and likes the team, but his entire focus is on having a good year and winning. I don’t anticipate there being a deadline for Keith to sign during the season. Both sides will have a clearer idea of how they want to proceed at the end of the year."

Brooks adds that there's no indication the Rangers will look to move Yandle if he doesn't sign an extension prior to the trade deadline.

Yandle's current deal, which carries a cap hit of $5.25 million, was originally signed by the Arizona Coyotes, who retained half the salary, back in 2011. The Rangers sent a package of prospects and picks to the desert - most notably Anthony Duclair - in order to acquire the defenseman, with a view to shoring up the blue line and getting over the hump in the playoffs.

In 15 games, Yandle has recorded one goal, nine assists, and 27 shots.

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