Islanders Summer Report Card: Brad Boyes

Feb 24, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders center

(24) and Carolina Hurricanes center

(12) battle for the puck during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

NASSAU VETERANS MEMORIAL COLISEUM OF LEARNING

Student Report

• Name: Brad Boyes
• Enrolled: 2012-2013
• Age: 31
• Undergraduate: 2004
• Days Absent: 0
• Scholarship: None, unrestricted free agent
• Achievements: 48 GP, 10 G, 25 A, 35 Pts, -6, 97 SOG : Attained career mark of 400 points.

Class List and Grade History

• Skating: B
• Shooting: B
• Passing: B
• Defense: C
• Leadership: C+

Professor’s Comments:

Brad Boyes had big shoes to fill when he arrived on Long Island on July 1^st, 2013. Signed as a free agent on the first day of unrestricted free agency, Boyes replaced the beloved PA Parenteau on John Tavares’ wing. I would say, for $1MM, that he gave the Islanders and possibly the league, one of the best bang-for-your-buck performances of the season.

Boyes scored 10 goals on the Islanders’ top-line, with his most memorable one being the overtime game-winner against the New Jersey Devils back in January. His 25 assists were second on the team to Matt Moulson (29), and his 35 points were third on the team to Moulson and John Tavares.

My biggest knock on Brad Boyes? He proved to be very inconsistent as the season dragged on going through goal-scoring droughts of 14 and 8 games during the season.

Defensively he was also one of the team’s weaker links. He finished the season with a -6 rating. His 40 giveaways on the season was the 3^rd highest total on the team – second for forwards.

Overall, however, he admirably played into his role. Those disappointed with the loss of PA Parenteau didn’t miss Parenteau’s producton, as Boyes was on pace to finish with more than 60 points over an 82-game season. Offensively, his and the Islanders’ two years of PAP were interchangeable. Unfortunately for him though, he will never escape Parenteau’s ghost.

Professor’s Recommendations:

Boyes is not a first-line winger. He filled in on the Islanders’ top-line, but his consistency proved that he is not a threat on any given night. Instead of playing him next to John Tavares, give him a lesser role where he could still contribute on the score-sheet.

During the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, he tallied 3 assists while playing alongside Keith Aucoin and Michael Grabner. Although that may not be the desired match-up, Boyes can still be productive as a middle-six forward. By doing so, he would also get an opportunity to escape being synonymous with the departed and aforementioned PAP. The Islanders would be better suited for it.

If the New York Islanders can re-sign him, they should. Of course, the Islanders will not, and should not, give up Matt Moulson money to get it done ; otherwise, that would defeat the purpose of allowing PA Parenteau to walk in the first place.

Poll: Should Brad Boyes get one more year on the Island? Vote ‘Promote’ to agree, or ‘Expel’ to disagree.

-CT