The New Jersey Devils have traded center Brian Boyle to the Nashville Predators for a 2019 2nd round pick.
The 34-year old Boyle was drafted 26th overall in the 2003 draft by the LA Kings. He carries a $2.75 million cap hit and will be a UFA after the season.
Some thoughts from the media
Adam Vingan: “Brian Boyle certainly adds size (6-6, 245) to the Predators’ bottom six. Most importantly, a net-front player for a team that’s sorely lacked one for years.”
Adam Vingan: “Boyle, in theory, helps bolster the bottom six and functions as a replacement for Austin Watson in some ways. (And I would imagine it takes the Predators out of the Wayne Simmonds sweepstakes.) By no means is Boyle the “missing piece,” but it doesn’t hurt.”
Robby Stanley: “Summary of my thoughts: I like the Boyle trade and think he can be helpful in several areas. I do also believe the #Preds should try to acquire a higher-end player in addition to Boyle before the deadline.”
Brian Lawton: “A 2nd round pick is a strong return for @NJDevils & a strong add for the @PredsNHL who get a player that is capable of playing reliable 3rd line minutes or can be dominating in a 4th line role. #gotime for #Preds as they recognize the #jets may be best but West is wide open!”
David Pagnotta: “Solid draft pick add by NJ on this deal. Predators wanted to strengthen their bottom-six, get that in Boyle. They’re still in the market for a top-six forward.”
AJ Haefele: “Sure feels like this is Poile’s annual overpay to nibble at the edges of his roster as he gives up draft capital. Hartman for a first, Boyle for a second. What’s Cody Franson up to these days? Or Paul Gaustad? Maybe Boyle actually makes a difference and it’ll be different for NSH”
Justin Bourne: “One of my few hot hockey takes – brace for this one here now – is that the Preds aren’t that scary this year. Kay, they add a replacement level 4C. Now what? They just seem like a good team that’s a lock to lose in round two to my eye (barring bigger adds).”
Nashville overpaid, but not many people have Boyle’s skillset. He’s a defensive specialist who’s good in the playoff circle, and plays in all three situations. Offensive/transitional black hole, but he definitely has a role that he fills for playoff teams. pic.twitter.com/jmuVNrT2Pt
— CJ Turtoro (@CJTDevil) February 6, 2019
Brian Boyle