Carolina Hurricanes Free Agency: Top 5 Remaining Options for General Manager Ron Francis

Nov 16, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Boyes (24) celebrates with Florida Panthers defenseman

(51) after a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Somehow, former Florida Panthers forward Brad Boyes has yet to be picked up on the free agent market. The 33-year-old UFA is coming off of three consecutive 35+ point season, and one of those seasons was the lockout-shortened year in 2013.

Boyes comes in with a whole lot of positives. He is a consistent offensive contributor that has proved year after year that he is good for at least 13 or 14 goals and 30+ points if slotted in the correct role, and with the Carolina Hurricanes, he would be slotted in a top-six forward role with guys like Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Elias Lindholm, and Jeff Skinner. He could certainly bolster the offense in the middle of the lineup and on the man advantage.

A veteran of 762 NHL games, Brad Boyes has become a legitimate, middle of the line up forward that really can contribute on offense if slotted in the correct role while also being reliable and capable in his own end.

Brad Boyes could be a great candidate for a rental player to trade away at the deadline. If he shows out in an expanded role in Carolina, he could end up being great trade bate come late February and early March, and if he plays well enough, he could even be a guy you keep for a couple more years.

Next: Eric Fehr