Boyle trade talk just won't stop

So, let's talk about Dan Boyle.

It's just speculation, unconfirmed chatter and gossip with no one inside the Lightning organization saying it's true. Still, the Tampa Bay defenseman, who could be the best puck-moving defenseman in the league, is the buzz of the NHL right now because of speculation he could be traded as part of a plan to clear some salary cap space for a team that, with 27 NHL contracts, including a big one (because potential bonuses that are calculated into the cap are potentially so huge) that No. 1 draft pick Steve Stamkos will sign, is over the $56.7-million limit.

There are many ways that will be reduced to the NHL's midpoint of about $48-million, where owner Oren Koules said he ultimately would like to land. Some players with two-way contract could be shuffled to the minors, and there will be trades, not necessarily for bodies but for draft choices to help replenish the stock that has been used to help rebuild the roster. Players such as Brad Lukowich, Jussi Jokinen, Jason Ward and even Michel Ouellet, though there is so much to be said about how well he played with Jeff Halpern last season, are not safe.

But is Boyle? That is the $6.667-million question. That is how much Boyle is scheduled to make in each year of his six-year, $40-million deal. So far the trade talk is all unconfirmed gossip, but there is no doubt it's out there and, as we read in today's paper, there are a lot of opinions about whether such a move would be good or bad.

For the Lightning, it would certainly lessen financial obligations. On the down side, the team has so little depth when it comes to puck-moving blue-liners, it seems like a good opportunity to shoot itself in the foot. That is unless it gets something back in return. The Ottawa Sun reported the Lightning might be interested in 22-year-old Senators defenseman Andrej Meszaros, who is a restricted free agent, made $984,000 last season and scored nine goals with 27 assists last season. He certainly would be less expensive, but does he have the skills to power an offense like Boyle does?

HDNet analyst John Vanbiesbrouck likes Meszaros' offensive skills but said he needs to be in a strictly structured system because while his offensive upside is huge, "He's going to be a big minus defensively."

But former Oilers assistant coach and CBC analyst Craig Simpson said Meszaros is a "hard worker and a good, solid defenseman, but he's not going to give you the things and abilities of a player like Boyle has."

All the talk might be moot. Boyle's agent George Bazos said his client, right now, is not inclined to waive a no-trade clause, even for a trip back to his native Ottawa. Besides, Bazos said, he received a call Tuesday from "Lightning management" that he said indicated Boyle is staying put.

"You can't replace Dan," Bazos said. "When rational people sit down and take a look at it and say, realistically, if they want to move Dan, how are they making the team better, they can't do it."         

Comments

[rod]

The only way I can agree with trading him is if we get 2 NHL ready D-men and a prospect or top draft pick.

Other then that I don't understand why we would get rid of one of the best d-men in the NHL. Especially when that is our weakest position.

[Drew]

agreed

[Jim-NJ]

"HDNet analyst John Vanbiesbrouck likes Meszaros' offensive skills but said he needs to be in a strictly structured system because while his offensive upside is huge, "He's going to be a big minus defensively.""

So, essentially Meszaros is a Diet-Boyle? What is the point?

Jim

[Geografer]

They do this and they undo EVERYTHING they have done so far and completely lose many a fan. This is nuts. There is no way, no matter the players and/or picks that would come with this, that Tampa doesn't lose in this trade. So much for the chance to go from worst to first (or at least deep into the playoffs) this year.
Also, what does that say to your players? You were very involved in signing this guy just a few months ago, and giving him a no-trade clause, and just like that - before he even had a chance to play one game under his new contract you ask him to waive his no-trade clause?? Ever hear of a thing called Karma?
I hope that no matter what Danny says NO to any trade anywhere!

[BadBud]

27 NHL contracts, including one to be signed by No. 1 draft pick Steve Stamkos, put it over the $56.7-million limit.

Next Question.

FIY Oren, I dont think we really need a D Man who can score, Need one who can STOP the other team from scoring.

[Badbud]

If your team was trying as hard as been reported to get rid of you,Why would you want to stay, where you are not in the plans,and not wanted,You going to get Paid where ever your are.

[Nan]

Why in the world would OK sign Danny to a long expensive contract with a no trade clause and then turn right around and trade him? It doesn't make any sense.

[Badbud]

27 NHL contracts, including one to be signed by No. 1 draft pick Steve Stamkos, put it over the $56.7-million limit.

OK did Not own the lightning at that time( Still Don't as it has not closed yet) they want to get rid of him then along with Richards, Maybe they still do.

[Sandy]

Are the lIghtning abosolutely crazy. We are beond "thin" on defence and now there is talk that Boyle might be traded. Give me a break!!! A Stanley Cup contender has to be balanced. It's great to have a ton of big-name offense but without a decent defence we are going nowhere. Get some big "D" in there who know what they are doing and we may nave a good shot at winning, at least. our division next season.

[Paul]

I think we all need to take a deep breath and calm down here. This is just rumor, quite possibly started by teams who want Boyle. None of this talk is coming from OK or any part of the Lightning organization, so let's not start berating them without cause.

OK has to know that trading Boyle would be colossally stupid, for a myriad of reasons. Not only would it further weaken what is already our weakest aspect, but it would shake up morale, as nobody would feel safe within the organization.

In short, I don't think this is going to happen. Let's have some faith in the new ownership that has shown some good smarts and who we've been wildly praising in the past few days.

Unless, of course, they do trade Boyle. Then let's break out the torches and pitchforks!

[Crack is wack]

"None of this talk is coming from OK or any part of the Lightning organization, so let's not start berating them without cause".
Yeah, they denied the Melrose rumor At 1st.

You people tend to forget,, THEY TRIED TO DUMP AT TRADE DEADLINE ALONG WITH RICHARDS.

Losing Boyle the PP guy is one thing,his Defence is another story.

Who ever said Boyle was one of the BEST defencemen in NHL,,,Put down the Pipe and back slowly away from the keyboard.

[Badbud]

"None of this talk is coming from OK or any part of the Lightning organization, so let's not start berating them without cause".
Yeah, they denied the Melrose rumor At 1st.

You people tend to forget,, THEY TRIED TO DUMP HIM AT TRADE DEADLINE ALONG WITH RICHARDS.

Losing Boyle the PP guy is one thing,his Defence is another story.

Who ever said Boyle was one of the BEST defencemen in NHL,,,Put down the Pipe and back slowly away from the keyboard.

[Paul]

They didn't deny the Melrose "rumor" at all, they just didn't confirm it. The only thing coming from the Lightning organization so far is that Boyle's agent claims they indicated they want Boyle to stay put.

Who said Boyle is is one of the best D-men in the league? From coaches, analysts, etc., too many to name.

[Paul]

Let me add one caveat to my previous comment about grabbing torches and pitchforks...it depends on what we get in return, if a Boyle trade actually does happen...

[Don in St. Pete]

I'll be the first to admit that I have not always been against trading DB, but I think you only do that if you can moke your team better, and that clearly does not seem to be a possibility now. Before all the puck moving, PP QB d-men were signed, maybe, but not when you can't get better by trading him. We can still get defensive helf without trading Boyle and it's my opinion they are trying everything they can to make that happen first. Two teams in particular are starved for help at forward. ottawa has only 1 left wing with experience on there roster. We have 3 that could be part of a trade. Unfortunately they are not exactly stacked on defense either. Pittsburgh is short at least 3 wingers and has some serious defensmen. I would advocate a trade with one of these 2 groups that might be something like this. With Pitt, Kuba, Ward and Tarnasky for Hal Gill. It's a lot to give up but Gill is exactly what we need here. With Ottawa, Kuba, Tarnasky and Ward for Volkenov. Leave Boyle alone until we see what the kid Niskala has and how are young d-men play this year.

[ajax]

I remember the article very clearly. Torts and Feaster had heated argument with Koules about resigning Boyle. They had to convince Koules to resign him.
Somehow I don't think Koules is listening too much to the imput of Jay Feaster these days. Bad news for Danny(and us?)
Now that we have so many players and need to go south with the payroll, it will be very interesting to see the roster shaped. Let's all hope we still have these huge grins a month from now.

[Boltflasher]

Paul, no one has ever said Danny Boyle was one of the best defensemane in the league...what HAS been said is that he is one of the best puck moving and Power play point defenseman in the league...BIG difference...