Dan Boyle decided to waive his no-trade clause after some arm-twisting by the new management. How stupid is it that you make a guy part of your marketing blitz and then two weeks later force him out? Boyle along with fellow defenseman Brad Lukowich will head to San Jose in exchange for defenseman Matt Carle, Sharks 2006 first pick D Jay Wishart, a first-round pick in next years draft, and a fourth rounder in 2010.
Boyle blossomed into one of the premier puck moving defensemen and was an outstanding PP QB, scoring 15 and 20 goals in successive seasons before last years injury shortened nightmare. He will turn 32 next week.
Dan Boyle was my favorite player on the Lightning. He will be missed. To be honest, even though his salary was a bit high, I'm surprised the Lightning dealt him knowing that they struggled mightily when due to a wrist injury they were without him last year.
Clearly the Lightning will sign a veteran top two blueliner to supplement a group that now only includes: Filip Kuba, Paul Ranger, Alex Picard, Janne Niskala, the acquired Carle and a coupla other youngsters.
Who will it be?