Dan Boyle might not want to be traded, but it sounds like some of the NHL’s boldest franchises are circling the San Jose Sharks defenseman.
First, word circulated that the New York Rangers might want to reunite the blueliner with John Tortorella. Now it sounds like the Philadelphia Flyers are getting in on the Boyle sweepstakes, too, according to CSNPhilly.com.
Both reports included a key caveat: the price needs to be reasonable (whatever that might mean).
Another important factor is that Boyle, 36, has one year remaining on his contract with a 2013-14 cap hit of $6.67 million. That means he would be a slightly longer fit than a typical “rental” player.
The Flyers might consider that a plus, despite his advancing age. The odds are seriously weighed against Philly to make the playoffs this season - Sports Club Stats gives them an 8.1 percent chance - so getting the benefit of an added season with Boyle is an important consideration, too.
With Brenden Morrow out of the mix, Boyle looks like one of the headliners of this year’s trade deadline rumor mill ... whether he departs San Jose or not.