Boyle seems kind of obvious as a target. I do hope the fact he basically got told to pound sand by San Jose lights a fire under his *** in the event he shows up here. I am seeing more a diminish in skills, but all I can hope is the player from this past season doesn't show up.
Not that he deserved to go, but I am wondering in terms of we all assume we will chase Boyle hard but he did completely fall out of the Olympic picture and almost immediately in terms of Team Canada. Given our influence on that process, I am not sure we are as high on him as some believe. I guess we will find out, I just am not going to be super happy if that is who we get, we can do a lot worse depending on what the term length and salary is though.
I am curious what Babcock's current state of flux will do in terms of our pursuit of some guys. Boyle clearly wants a multi-year deal, but does he want one if Babcock is leaving here... Something to think about that we are not discussing, it could impact our UFA pursuits.
It depends on what role you think Boyle will come in here and play.
I don't see him coming and playing top mins here, like he did in SJ last season. So I'm not as worried about it.
If you think the D will be structured this way
Kronwall-Smith
Dekeyser-X
Ericsson-X
Then I think we are fine bringing in Boyle and putting him in one of those two holes. Play him with a reliable partner (E or Dekeyser) give him some sheltered ES minutes, and just let him do his thing on the 1st PP unit.
His shot is still better than any D on our team IMO. He has slowed down yes, but still put up top 20 #'s on the PP this season among the league's d-men. We need some offensive talent, we are deprived of that on the blue line.
Stralman is a safe pick-up, sure. But we already have guys that can play a lot of ES minutes and put up 13 points. I'd like to get more of a difference maker. Even if there's a risk it could bite us.