The New Jersey Devils knew when they traded Brian Boyle that they were making it much harder to sign him for better times, but after how well things are going in Nashville, it’s becoming close to impossible.
It was a sad day for New Jersey Devils fans when we learned that Brian Boyle was traded to the Nashville Predators for a 2nd-round pick. One of the most beloved Devils to play such a short time was going for a Stanley Cup Championship with another franchise. However, even with Boyle on another team, some Devils fans thought there was a good chance the Devils could bring him back when he became a free agent in the offseason.
Now, that’s still very possible. Until the ink is dry on his next contract, there’s a chance he could return to the New Jersey Devils. He might ask for a no-trade clause, but it’s still possible he could return.
The rumors out of Nashville show that it’s much more likely Boyle remains in the city he currently plays for than return to the Garden State. Rumors say that Nashville is already working on a contract extension offer with Boyle.
Boyle has been good since the trade. He’s scored five goals from the bottom six, which is exactly what they needed. Their goal was a big body who could clean up underneath, and Boyle is doing that on a high level.
Boyle would fit on just about any team, and he’d have his choice of suitors. He’s a fourth-line player, so most teams could use his services while also fitting him into their cap. He’s already has 18 goals this season, and could hit 20 goals when it’s all said and done.
The Devils would really do well to bring Boyle back next season. Even if he falls back to 15 goals, that’s much more than they’re going to get from anyone else already in the system. He could pair with, say, Nathan Bastian and Michael McLeod and pot in goals for those two young forwards. However, with his stint in Nashville going so well, it will be hard to convince him to come back, if they ever get the chance.