NHL Trade Rumors: Nashville Predators to acquire Brian Boyle from Devils

According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Nashville Predators are close to acquiring Brian Boyle from the New Jersey Devils. Bob McKenzie had it first. 

The Nashville Predators are looking to upgrade their forward group, especially after Austin Watson‘s extended leave of absence. According to Bob McKenzie and the latest NHL trade rumors, they are going to acquire Brian Boyle from the New Jersey Devils.

There has been no discussion of what the return will be, but it will most likely include a mid-round pick. McKenzie is reporting it will be a second-round pick in 2019, but nothing is confirmed. Boyle should immediately slot in as the Predators’ fourth-line center. They needed an upgrade there. Boyle is a good defensive center who is also a terrific guy in the locker room by all accounts.

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He is perhaps most famous for battling and overcoming a cancer diagnosis in 2017. Boyle was a huge part of the Devils team that made the playoffs following the 2017-18 season. He has also played for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Boyle is a postseason veteran, having played in over 100 playoff games during his career. In 118 Stanley Cup Playoff games, he has put up 15 goals and 28 points, primarily serving in a third or fourth line role. Considering the Predators have Stanley Cup aspirations, they were likely looking for someone accustomed to the playoffs.

This season, Boyle has 19 points in 47 games while averaging 13:49 of ice time per game. That’s his highest average time on ice since the 2012-13 season with the Rangers.

Despite his defensive usage (57.4 percent defensive zone start percentage at even strength), Boyle has treaded water as far as possession with a -0.5 percent relative CorsiFor percentage.

He’s proven he can produce in a bottom six role, which should only help the Predators moving forward. A second-round pick is a bit much for someone like Boyle, but Nashville’s looking to win a Stanley Cup. These are the kinds of moves contenders make.