Boyle: "I was disrespected."

If you thought Dan Boyle, traded Friday to the Sharks, was going to go quietly, think again. The Lightning defenseman had some parting shots for owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie, and said he was "lied to completely, disrespected and misled."

Boyle said he believes the new ownership group, even though they did not have formal charge of the team, was was shopping him around the league shortly after he signed a six-year, $40-million contract. He said he was not told. Boyle said he was threatened with being put on waivers if he did not accept a trade and waived his no-trade clause. He said someone in the new ownership group, he would not say who, questioned his work ethic.

"He knows who he is," Boyle said. "But when your work ethic is questioned, I can't even, I'm at a loss for words as to what was said. It's absolutely disrespectful and not a way to treat a person."

Boyle said he would not have minded being shopped if he would have been told. In the interim, he bought a plot of land in the Tampa Bay area and is planning to build a house for his new wife and their first child, expected in late November.

"I understand business is business and I would not have taken it personally if it was done the right way, and when threats are involved and my personal character and work ethic is questioned; when those things get personal, that's not the way to do business."

Owner Len Barrie denied the new ownership group was shopping Boyle that early ("Totally untrue," he said), and added, "I don't think threat is the right word," as to Boyle perhaps being put on waivers. Barrie said the Lightning followed the rules of the collective bargaining agreement that says if a team has a "no-move" contract, no transaction can be contemplated. A no-trade clause only says a player can't be traded.

"Any time when you're in sports and you love the place you play, there's going to be emotions," Barrie said. "I played with Dan (with the Panthers). Dan is a good hockey player, but if Wayne Gretzky can be moved four times in his career, that's the business. We wish Dan all the best, and we think he's going to have great success running the Sharks power play."

Boyle said, "I'm speaking from the heart and not trying to grab headlines. ... I've given this franchise everything I had. I love it. I love the area and the fans. But at the end of the day, I was misled and lied to and completely disrespected. When you're threatened to be put on waivers and end up in Atlanta, it was an eye-opening situation for me."

As for the future, Boyle said, "I wish (the Lightning) absolutely the best. It's not one of those things where I sit here and hope Tampa Bay loses. I love the city and the fans too much. I think that would be wrong. I'm just very unhappy with the way I was treated. It's sad."

More in Saturday's paper.

      

Comments

[Tampa Bay Whiner]

boo hoo hoo ... I am going to cry now ... those mean ole guys made a business deal that moved an over-rated, old aged guy who can't play defense

no wonder we're nationally portrayed as having NO CLUE about hockey

boo hoo hoo ...

[Dennis]

Let's see Barry Melrose last coached when Wayne Gretzky was a King.
Len Barrie was an IHL star at best.
And the Lightning let one of the best defensemen in league go.
They are going to get everything they deserve. The only thing better would be to hire Doug MacLean as their GM. Please do that too.

Good luck Dan. Win another cup.

[Slapnut]

Wonder if V4 is being shopped right now.That would free up even more money for maybe 10 more forwards.Thanks for the Sweed scouting report Wiz..See you at the Hawk convention.

[ajax]

I do feel torn. Gang Boyle took 6.667 million dollars. Read that ten times if you think Danny was treated unfairly. At age 37 would he return any of his money if he is no longer a top 50 player in the league. Of course not.
On the other hand Hollywood scares me. I always believe character wins out in the long run. Not to sure on the character of Hollywood.
But that said, Danny I loved ya, but Danny your contract was to one sided and getting rid of that salary can only help "our" team.
Go Bolts Go.

[David]

WIZ is either Swedish, or has an awesome knowledge of European prospects. That was scary!

[go away]

Go away Dan and stop whining...you have 40 million reasons not to whine....they said it perfectly...if Gretzky was moved then boyle could be moved. Please...go have another -29 season out west and enjoy the cash...please give us Defense OK and let this baby be on his way

[Don in St. Pete]

You guys hung up over the Boyle deal need to get over it. Here's the link to what LA did to Rob Blake a 19 year veteran, cup winner and Norris trophy winner.

http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=5667&user_id=31002

[David]

The Vinny assist I'll always remember was from the Philly series, where he ate a crosscheck to the mouth as he got the pass off to Fedetenko. Crosscheck went uncalled as I recall.

[tics]

"Dudley" and "halfway run properly" don't belong in the same sentence.

Some of you all don't get it, it's not what was done, it's how it was done.

[Don in St. Pete]

91, I'm sorry but you forgot to mention that those 2 assists Vinny got were on the two goals Fedotenko scored to win us the cup. Sorry but sometimes quality counts more than quatity and in game 3 when Vinny challenged Primeau and outplayed him the rest of the series, that is what one us the cup. Go hide under your desk unless you have some intelligent commentary to bring to current events, not 2004.

[91]

hey foghat legman.

what do you know about hockey? you loved the stanley cup but now 91 is a playoff performer and that is all? you are so confused. 2 guys left from 04 and you think all is great. Go Vinny, he had 2 yes 2 assists in 7 games against Calgary. ya he is the greatest. Back to football you guys

[Don in St. Pete]

Wiz, Great commentary. There are still some options out there for us and some of them are cheap. Cullimore could look good in the Blue, Black and White again after a stellar year with the stinkin panthers. But we should also go after either Keith Carney or Jason Smith. These guys would be huge mentors for the young D but can still bring it. We have one of the deepest defensive corps in the minor leagues of any teams and this bodes well for our future, especially after the last couple seasons.

[WIZ]

Sweden will offer it's strongest group in decades into the 2009 draft.
(I HAVE GIVEN them SLOTS on my NEXT YEAR DRAFT LISTS...relax they are all on index cards!) Let's hope an agreement is in place so they can come on over....
In order of their importance, they are:

Oscar Hedman LD man mountain 6 6 220. (top 1-2 pick)
Pure unbelievable mix of skill skate and size. He is what every team HOPES Tyler Myers can become. Very mobile fluid, long stride, turns and edges really
really well. Always has his head up w excellent vision. A strong passer who leads the rush up ice. Exceptional hockey sense in all three zones, hugeshot. If you wanted to find fault, you might say he doesn't use his massive body to play physical very much, a she counts on his long reach, anticipation, and strong positioning. But he may be Godzilla when a Cup win is in the balance. I take him over Tavares.

Magnus Svensson-Paajarvi LhRW 6 1 189 (Top five pick)
Exceptional skater, powerful stride, quick burst of speed,tough to knock off stride. Super soft hands, quick stick, great puck control at speed and excellent hands in tight. Need more? Excellent finishing touch, finishes his chances. Beats defensemen constantly in a variety of ways, like off the rush, using outside speed, finesse moves, dangles in tight fearlessly,moves out to the corners effortlessly, and can power straight into the crease. Strong on the puck, good puck shielder, battles in the corners. High energy on forecheck, plays with passion, with strong hockey sense. A creative good visioned forward with a HUGE upside! He was the best player on the ice in the Eight Nations tourney in August 2007, and didn't disappoint in any international tourneys after that.

David Rundblad rD 6 2 187 (Top Ten pick)
Has size skills to be an interesting prospect. Loves to rush, is big and tough. Needs positioning work,and is a straight line skater whose feet need improving.Heavy shot, puck-handling skills, and solid decision maker when carrying.

Tim Eriksson (Erxon?) LD 6 2 172 (Top 14 pick)

Marcus Johansson Lh C 5 11 175 (Top 17 pick)
Excellent, smart 2 way centre who is instinctive and plays bigger than he is. Intelligent when carrying the biscuit in all three zones. Always makes the right play and puck follows him, goes into high traffic, finishes his checks with regularity and punch. effective PK who is always hustling and cutting off passing lanes. Quick feet, good wheels, crisp passer with soft touch, always hustling, controlling the puck and play.

Henrik Bjorklund rhLW 6 2 193 (Top 50 pick)
Aggressive disruptive fore-checker who reads off his line mates and is always involved deep in the zone. Very good size and can use it. Strong on his skates, overpowers opponents in the corners, makes space for himself, good board work guy, finishes his checks and wins the battles on wall. Uses body well to gain and hold position down low on the cycle and in the slot.
Oh,...and he has skills. Solid hands, good puckhandler with offensive instincts.

Anton Lander LhC 5 11 182 (Top 60 pick)
Played with Svensson-Paajarvi, good skater quickness,he is more of a play-making pivot with
skill, good saucer passer,slick stick. Strong sense, cycle. turned invisible for times in eight nations tourney.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson LD 6 164 (Third round)
Jacob Josefson LC 5 11 174
Jakob Silfverberg RC 6 174
Alex Viklund Lw 5 11 177
Calle Ackered LD 5 11 157
Carl Klingberg LW 6 2 191
Anton Myllari LD 6 2 222
Alexander Uhrborn 6 3 1/2 188
Casper Carning LF 6 2 186
Patrick Cehlin LF 5 10 160
William Wallen LW 5 7 1/2 150

[Barry]

Oren Koules and Len Barrie, the Glimmer Twins are idiots. They sign a bunch of forwards, bring in oldtimers Roberts and Kolzig to a team that is weak defensively and trade one of the best offensive defensemen in the league. These guys couldn't run a fantasy hockey team. Did they come up with the idea to trade Boyle while they were getting their hair tinted? Len Barrie denials are nothing more than outright lies. Disgusting what they did to one of our best players.

[bear]

Watch Vinny
BS move by Bolts

[WIZ]

You just wish they would have told Stevie Stamkos they were making the move, after his on-going repetitive interview of how he was gonna learn from Vinnie, Marty, and Boyle, that someone would have told them, "Ahh, Leave Boyle's name out of interviews."

[Amanda]

Boyler and Luke will be fine in San Jose, and we'll be fine here in Tampa without him. My problem is with how the whole thing went down. If you're gonna move a player, move a player. Don't be shady.

[WIZ]

Too bad anyone making that type money has to say anything about being traded, disrespected, when he still gets to continue to make it!

Boyle played the I wanna go UFA game and the Lightning might have been frightened into an offer, but they still had the choice to not sign him. THIS WOULD HAVE MEANT AN ASSET WAS LET GO WITH NO RETURN. Good business says SIGN HIM, but he still is an asset so USE the ASSET.
I guess I don't believe the ownership had to tell him they were going in a different direction. If they didn't feel they needed to make this move until after their spending spree, I feel it would have been OK at that point to say," We are going in another direction, Dan."
They cannot control the future or whether Boyle buys real estate of not.
Boyle should be happy he has the money to buy real estate and build a house! Even if Boyle asked last year,"... am I in the plan?", things change.

Boyle's comments are heat of the moment quotes, that maybe would have been better off not being said.

Carle is so-so, and there are scouts who felt TY WISHART tapered off and didn't make advancing steps in his play in the Western junior. Time will tell if he is a guy who can be an NHL everyday player.
The first round pick to me was the real boon as 2009 may not be as rich a draft as 2008, but it still looks like another solid one through the first round with a surprising number of seven Swedish players adding to its depth (although their is no international agreement in place).

[Et]

Don't worry about the salary, we will get a veteran d-man. 1st choice would be Jasson Smith, after we sign our d- man, we will trade eithe Quellet or Jokinon for a draft pick ,and that will put the team right where they want to be about 50mill, leaving us plenty of cap space for the season in case of injury as we make our run and win the divison

[Don in St. Pete]

No Name poster at 10:17, I don't believe you have anything to worry about with MSL. He had an off year but was often having to backcheck to cover an overexposd D. Dan was not a scapegoat but the most logical guy we could move to fill 2 holes. We have Carle and now we have the Cap room to sign a top 2 defenseman. Even Leo who said our owners would be stupid to trade Boyle says we made a massively beneficial trade. I'm sorry feelings were hurt but once again it's all about the team. GO BOLTS!

[Elwood P. Dowd]

Uh, I thought Schnieder too, until I discovered his salary on thehockeynews.com---Yikes!

Luke Richardson is looking better all the time. Maybe he will forgive us for when Tortie healthy scratched him for like 20 games when we stunk up the ice on defense, and wondered why.

[Andy in Dunedin]

Oren and Lennie never came right out and stated so, but sure implied in several ways just last week that Boyle would not just stay, but have an important role next season. Putting aside the "he said / they said" in the Dan vs new ownership debate ... it sure looks like the new guys lied to US, the folks who buy the tickets and the overpriced beer and the jerseys, etc. As a long time season ticket holder, I take that VERY seriously. Not a good way to kick off a business relationship with the fans, gentlemen.

[Et]

Great post Marboro, And now as I see it Nobody in ths Souteast Division improved themselves, except the Lightning. Washington by losing Huet had to sighn Theodore, to me he is a big ? mark, Carolina has done nothing, Florida no longer has Jokinen, And Atlanta is a mess. Right now I believe we can win the Division, and when we add a veteran D-man, like Smith or Schnieder we will win the Southeast.

Well I'm going to believe what Dan says no matter how bad ownership denies it. What a shame it had to end like this for him and good for him for speaking his peace..!!! BEST OF LUCK to Dan..

p.s. OK hockey ...that was CRAPPY of you!
maybe we are seeing some true colors now besides the love fest you put on us.
Did you overspend last week on all forwards and now in salary trouble???
And Dan was the scapegoat...sheesh..

Richards... Boyle.. is Marty next?

[Don in St. Pete]

I'm with the Marlboro Man and David, except I'm calling my rep first thing in the morning to grab those seat in the top level of the lower bowl or the first level of the Jeep Club that the sissies aren't going to renew! Rock On OK! GO BOLTS!

[David]

Wheeee.

Now that's good press!

[Not the Marlboro Man]

Its the same old story, time and time again when your dealing with these privledged ownership scoundrels and hornswogglers that make decisions in peoples life that aren't appreciated by the people they are making them for. Its only natural to burn inside and get mad as hell and blow up and say your mind. Was Dan disrespected? Sure he was. By a couple of millionaires with their new toy and rich guy attitude. They think that they really know how to run things and they should be given that opportunity! When you look at how badly the Lightning was run for the last 15 years anything is an improvement. When Davidson took over and gave the management to Rick Dudley...it was probably the only time in our brief history that this team was half way run properly. Then came the Feaster years (Boo). We all know what happened then. Every bad thing imagineable. We might be hard on this new ownership for diss'n Dan, but you have to look at it from a new prospective, that this organization has been run by idiots for a long time. Now that its finally turning around, there are going to be some feelings hurt until things get back to normal operations. Try looking at the positives before being to harsh on the new ownership. This upcoming year might not bring us a Cup but I bet it brings allot to talk and write about as well as brings us a more competative Hockey Team. I may not buy a season ticket but I bet its at least worth a 10 pack. If they contend for the Play-offs by mid season I might buy another one we'll see. If this team turns it around, I won't mind buying those $8.00 tall boys of Bud again.

[Don in St. Pete]

Excellent post et, We need to get over it already and though some people's feelings were hurt, it's a business and life goes on. The Lightning are a better team because of this trade and San Jose also got what they needed so it was a win-win situation. These owners will still be looking to move minor pieces to improve our defense to where we can go deep in the playoffs or even become a cup contender. It's all about the team. GO BOLTS!

[et]

Alright guys did you forget that Boyle wanted his deal done by the trade deadline, or he said he would go to free agency. This is a business, and this ownership group has rebuilt this team to a much stronger team than last season, we are no longer a one line team, and they are not finished making moves.

[Lisa]

It's a shame that the new owners did not handle this situation with more class and did not show respect to Danny Boyle who has done so much for the organization.

Good luck, Danny. Know that the marjority of the fans in Tampa Bay love you and wish you only the best. Congratulations on your marriage and the expectant baby. You will be missed.

[skp]

big shocker - "dismissed employee is upset at former boss!"

i wish i could be disrespected by getting set up with a 6-year, $40 mil contract and handed over to a championship frontrunner.

boyle and lukowich will be fine, the bolts will be better than fine, i think once everyone gets over the shock and hurt this will be a win-win for all involved, including both sets of fans...

does any body know if V4 signed his new contract?

[Don in St. Pete]

I think the boys will be ok in San Jose. I just read an article with some quotes for Danny and Luke. They are just tickled pink to be in "don't you know the way to San Jose". Boyle is going to play alongside Rob Blake! Are you kidding me? We could never have given that to him here. I wish him and Luke the best and I home to see them at the St. Pete Times Forum in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Lightning. GO BOLTS!

[Paul]

Some advice to the new owners: Remember, in the current economy there are only so many dollars to be split between three professional sports teams in the Tampa area. So, don't p--- off the fans with your lack of concern for what the fans are saying about your deals and lack of ethics. You may be the owners, BUT you STILL need the fans - ALL OF THEM; and listen to your GM, and give him the credit due, he's been there. Neither of you have ANY experience as GM's.

[Mario]

The truth is probably in the middle (as usual).
They probably made several attempts politely and without confrontation, only to be told No thank you.
Then they came at him in a way that was strictly Biz.
Too bad for Dan and for ownership.
At least he did not end up in a loser town like Washington.

[Foghat Legman]

Boo-Hoo, boo-hoo. The big baby was disrespected, eh? Well that’s business, and you don’t tip your hand; c’mon you wannabe poker players! He would only make Tampa his home if he could garner all this dolts’ admiration while fleecing them for $40 million Yankee-freaking-Greenbacks?

Let’s do the dolts math, shall we? Lord knows we miss throwing away $95,000 per game to the Goldenboy…

Forty million bucks divided by six, 82 game seasons shakes out to around $81,000 per freaking game! He couldn’t love Tampa Bay for any less money, eh? He makes 50% more in one game than I do in one year and 50 times more than a LASIK surgeon, who restores eyesight!

He’s sour because those insane checks haven’t started rolling in yet.
But when they do, it won’t matter whether the ice upon which he gets ‘pantsed’ is in San Jose, Ottawa or The S.P. Times Forum. The odd man rushes will cascade down upon Nabokov, Gerber or Smith/Kolzig; he’s still getting 81 fat ones per night, 492 times! Boo-freaking-Hoo!

Remember that with mirthful objectiveness, and consider the 95 fat ones Dallas has to dole out for their #91, as our #91 out-performs his slouch-until-the-playoffs routine.

Koules doesn’t have to be very good, to clean up on some card players in this area. Sheesh…

[thunder]

At 6.6 million, would someone please disrespect me?

[TJ]

I wish nothing but good luck for Danny and his family. I hope he has a monster season for SJ. But by the same token, Tampa did well for the trade, getting the 1st and 4st rounder (I assume the 4th rounder will become the property of Minnesota for the Rolston thing) and the prospect Wishart (who I understand is gonna be a good defensive player) along with Carle. It's not the trade I have a problem with, it's the way it was handled, especially after seeing some of the comments that Danny made. I know that honesty is not a requirement to be a hockey team owner or executive, but I have serious reservations about the "class" of the organization. There are those of you that will say "class" and honesty don't win hockey games talent does and you would be correct. Still, it stinks and I don't like it. But what's done is done and I will continue to be a Tampa Bay Lightning fan. I look forward to the upcoming season and will see the guys when they play against the 'Canes (only games I am close enough to go to).

Go Bolts!

Posted by: TJ | July 04, 2008 at 08:08 PM

This is a "copy and paste" of the post I made in the previous topic. I still think it stinks. But I stand by my last statment, that I will continue to be a Tampa Bay Lightning fan and will go see them when they play the Carolina Hurricanes. So for a question off this topic, when is the new 2008-09 schedule released? So I can see if the 'Canes play SJ in Raleigh and when the Bolts are there too....

boylegate

[jets]

Wow, I can't believe anyone is still drinking the OK & Barrie Kool aid after this one. "I'm sure they asked him nicely?" Yeah right! They strongarmed Dan out of town like they did to Brad. Two players leaving are making stuff up, while these bastions of honesty are the victims? Get your head out of the sand my friend

[jets]

Unbelievable that some people are still drinking the OK & Barrie Kool-aid after this one. "I'm sure they tried all they could"? What a joke if they get even a few people to believe this garbage. They strongarmed Boyle out of town just like they hammered Brad til he broke down & left. I hope the players treat them with the trust and respect they deserve, which is none.

[Nan]

Well, I have to say I believe what Danny is saying and do not believe what is coming out of Barrie's mouth. I can't believe anyone would question Danny's work ethic! Danny brought it to every game and played more minutes than a defenseman probably should. Now how can that possibly be questioned by anyone let alone an owner that supposedly knows hockey!

Wishing you the best Danny! You will do well in San Jose. Prove it to these guys that they are going to regret losing you!

[Boltflasher]

Wasn't it Dan Boyle who threatened the organization that even thought he loved the Tampa area, he would try free agency to get what he thought he deserved before he was offered the contract he got?

unbelieveable.. just unbelieveable how they could treat someone who has done so much for the team like that.. its incredible.

[Don in St. Pete]

We've only heard one side of the story and while it isn't pretty, I'm guessing ownership asked him nicely many times to waive his NTC before resorting to threats. It's a rough way to get it done, but I am trusting that the new owners tried all they could first. At the end of the day it's a huge leap forward for the franchise and another addition to what will be a tough, big, fast and exciting Lightning team.

As happy as I am with most of the moves made by new ownership, I find it laughable to read Len Barrie say this stuff was"totally untrue". What a bunch of BS! What reason would Dan Boyle have for saying anything. It was so obvious he was being threatened with being waived and the chance to be picked up by any team in the league. I didn't need to read that to know it to be fact. Whoever in the organization said Boyle didn't give 100% was most likely too busy prepping his hair for another stint on ESPN telling the world how bad the Lightning were year after year. I like who we received in return but I agree with the article, Dan Boyle was screwed over royally by Koules and Barrie. Shameful.

[David (Clearwater, Fl)]

Hate to see a guy go who is as committed to the organization as Boyle has been. Wish him the best!

[Ozmodcon]

Well, dan, you've given us many years of fantastic service, and I think I speak for all Bolts fans when I say best of luck with the Sharks.

You'll do great in the West!

Sorry it ended on a bit of a dramatic tone, but the trade gave the team more assets for the future, and gives you a chance to win another cup next year.

We'll miss you!