Islanders Acquire Boyle's Rights

Per Arthur Staple, "Isles have acquired rights to D Dan Boyle from the Sharks for a conditional 2015 5th-round pick. Becomes a 4th if Boyle signs."

 

As a top defensemen on San Jose, Dan Boyle scored 12 & 24 for 36 points last season with a -8 rating.  He also added 4 points in 7 playoff games.  Boyle is a 15 year veteran who has played in at least 75 games in 9 of the last 10 NHL seasons and has 14 & 56 for 70 points in 107 career playoff games.

 

Per islanders.nhl.com, "In 954 career regular-season NHL games with the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and San Jose, Boyle has 561 points (144 goals, 417 assists)."  Boyle is a four time All-Star and has a gold & silver medal in International competition for Team Canada.

Garth Snow traded for the 5'11, 190 pound veteran defensemen's rights in hopes of signing him before the July 1st open to NHL free agency.  Similar to the way he approached the courting of Jaro Halak, Snow wants time to negotiate with Boyle and his agent while selling him on playing an important role with the Islanders.  Even at age 38, Boyle was still playing top minutes on the sharks blue line last season and can still play defense at a high level. He and Visnosky (if healthy) could be great mentors to the talented pool of defensive prospects in the Isles system.

 

Per Arthur Staple, "George Bazos, Dan Boyle's agent, tells me he and Boyle had brief chats with Garth Snow, nothing substantive yet."

"Snow said trade not a sign of concern over Visnovsky. "If we sign Boyle, they'll both be on the No. 1 PP. We think that's a plus."

 

Rumor has it that Boyle is looking for a two year deal (Christian Arnold) and should demand a high price on the free agent market.  Snow has his work cut out for him, but if signed, Boyle can play a key role in New York and help players like John Tavares & Kyle Okposo take this team to the next level.

 

Boyles agent, George Bazos: "Dan wants to talk to some people he knows about Isles situation... He's made it clear to me he's open to any and all options," per Arthur Staple.  What fellow players have to say will have a big part in his decision to negotiate with the Isles. It will also be a challange to convince him to sign on with a young team that still has some work to do before they are considered a serious contender. 

But with the Islanders, Boyle will add the top defensive acquisition they so badly need & help support their back end in front of Jaro Halak.  In addition to his defensive talents, Boyle can contribute on special teams and stabilize the back end in key scenarios.  Even Snows worst critics have to give it to him for the second time this off season.  Big moves by the Isles GM and its only the first week of June.  A big statement prior to the relocation to Brooklyn.  Definitely a low cost gamble worth taking.  I love it.  Do you?

 

 

 

Isles Notes:

Per Daniel Friedman, Vanek while commenting on not succeeding with Plekanec while in Montreal: “I’m a big believer in chemistry. I went to the Island, got comfortable with Johnny & Okposo. Our line took off & then your game takes off."

 

NHL Notes:

 

Gary Bettman revealed that Dan Carcillo's suspension was reduced to 6 games.  He could be eligible to appear in game 4, Cup final.