Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Coyotes Claim Klee

The Phoenix Coyotes claimed veteran defenseman, Ken Klee, off of re-entry waivers today, adding the 37-year old to their young line-up. Klee, acquired by Anaheim in the deal that sent Mathieu Schneider to Atlanta, couldn't quite crack the Ducks' blueline on a full-time basis and was sent down to the minors earlier this season, after clearing waivers to do so the first time.

The Coyotes haven't seen a great deal of offensive success from their blueline yet this season, Keith Yandle being the only blueliner to eclipse the 2-point mark this season. The addition of Klee should be able to give an offensive defenseman a stay-at-home partner, so said offensive player can jump up into the play a little more often.

The Coyotes will also only have to pay half of Klee's $1.25 million that he is owed this year and that same half is what counts against the cap for the remainder of the season. Klee shouldn't have to toil in the minors for the rest of the year now, which bodes well for him. If he has an impact offensively or indirectly to the offense, he is available in Box 29 of the Sheet pool.

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