New York Islanders Linked to Brian Boyle at Trade Deadline

As the trade deadline approaches, New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello is being linked to a familiar face; Brian Boyle. It isn’t what they need, but it makes sense.

We’re 21 days away from the trade deadline, and it seems that New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello has focused in on New Jersey Devils forward Brian Boyle. It makes sense, even though it not what we thought Lou was looking for.

Going into the trade deadline, big-name players like Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene, or Mark Stone were on everyone’s lips. The Islanders are short on talent and we thought Lou was going to use the trade deadline to address that.

New Jersey Devils forward Brian Boyle isn’t that player. But when you think about it, it makes sense that Lou would bring in Boyle.

Toronto Maple Leafs Trade

In 2017, then the GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lou Lamoriello brought in Brian Boyle from the Tampa Bay Lightning for prospect Byron Froese and a second-round pick in the 2017 draft. At that time the 6’6″ 245lbs Boyle had 22 points in 54 games for the Lightning.

Boyle is obviously a big bodied pro that can give the New York Islanders something different down the middle come the playoffs. And his 62.03 percent faceoff efficiency during that Toronto stint in 2017 isn’t bad either.

But is this what the Islanders need right now? A 34-year-old veteran to play center? On the surface, probably not. But then again, the last time we all criticized Lou for bringing in veterans that we didn’t think the team needed we all ended up eating our words.

Just like it’s not smart to bet against the Patriots in the Super Bowl, it doesn’t seem smart to bet against Lou when bringing in players.

Boyle brings a number of factors that check a number of boxes on any hockey team. He’s a savvy vet with an incredible work ethic. That large frame can be used as a net-front presence at 5on5 and on the power play. And he wins most of his faceoffs.

If the price is low on Boyle, and it likely will for the 34-year-old pending UFA, the Islanders can make it work.

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And who says this is the only deal that Lou makes before the trade deadline passes? Bringing in Boyle does not spell the end of the New York Islanders chasing a bigger name. It’s hard to go against Lou seeing as how the other moves have worked out so far.