The General Manager Corner: Free Agent Defensemen

Apr 1, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle (22) moves the puck toward the goal around Edmonton Oilers center Will Acton (41) during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Boyle

The longtime Islander great (okay, just kidding) is set to hit free agency as of the publication of this post.  The Islanders traded with the Sharks for his rights but all signs point to Boyle’s rights being shipped off again prior to July 1st and not signing with the Islanders.  The 37-year old still has some offensive ability left in the tank and can help quarterback a power play.  Unfortunately for the team that acquires him the other half of his job, playing defense, hasn’t been a strong suit of his for quite some time.  He just completed a contract that carried a $6,666,667 cap hit and while he isn’t expected to make nearly that much money on his next contract, a two-year deal with annual salaries in the $4,500,000 range should be enough for his services.

The General Manager Prediction: Boyle has said he wants to win, which makes the rumblings of possibly signing with the Maple Leafs irrational.  If he ends up there, it’s assuredly not because of winning.  Maybe it’s me going after the low hanging fruit, but reuniting with the Tampa Bay Lightning makes sense for both sides.  Tampa Bay could use another puck-moving defensemen and Boyle has already reached the mountain top with the Lightning.  Tampa Bay is loaded with young talent and a player like Boyle could also provide some veteran leadership and mentor some of the kids on the team.

Darkhorse Team: New York Rangers