Let me start this off by saying I am a Dan Boyle fan. I do understand his value to this team.
But with the rumored 7 million plus he might be asking for, there is no way this franchise can ever succeed with that much money tied up in 3 or 4 players. So let’s say you trade a Marty or Richards to free up the money for Boyle, you would be in the same situation the Bolts are currently in. Unfortunately
with the way the salary cap is there is just no logic spending half of the payroll on 3 or 4 players. With the way offensive defense-man are convented these days Boyle could bring back a few intriguing prospect and a draft pick or two. If the bolts plan on keeping the Big 3 together this is the type of trade that makes the most sense. They get young up and coming players( who haven’t gotten their first real contract) and they help re-stock the farm system at the same time. Then they can use that money that was being spent on Boyle to bring back good role players, such as a Prospal or a Gratton. Or maybe a much needed goalie.
If they stay the course they are on, each and every year the GM will just keep trying to plug cheap talent( see Hvlac, Karesson, Ward, Oullett, Perin), with the same results we are seeing right now. Maybe, just maybe the Gm will find that hidden “gem” that helps the club, but that is a long shot. Now if I thought Dan Boyle was great playing defense, considering the skills he has on offense I would say lock him up. But he has serious short-comings when it comes to his defense. He isn’t physical, he doesn’t clear guys in front of the net, and his best asset on defense is his ability to get the puck out of the zone. (which is a great asset)
Now in my opinion, if they 7+ million dollar contract is going to go to anybody, it should be Vinny4, without question. He is the best player by far on this team and is arguably the best in the NHL as well. His current contract is up after the 08-09 season, meaning he only has one year left in TPA unless the GM gets off his as#. If this guy gets even a sniff of free agency he’s gone. As much as he loves the Bay Area, there would be some team willing to give him the world. If you lock him up now to something like a 8-10 year deal, It gives the Bolts more time to spread that out contract.
If you look up and down the Bolts system, its littered with defense-man. They have depth and talent getting ready to come up. Obviously they may never be as good as Boyle but they do add depth and cheaper contracts. And with the development of a guy like Paul Ranger, the Bolts may not miss Boyle or the 7 million dollar a year he wants.
