Veteran Brian Boyle is still an Unrestricted Free Agent. Should the Carolina Hurricanes look to add his leadership to their group?
The Carolina Hurricanes are still looking to round out their 2019-2020 starting roster. With Justin WIlliams still uncertain about his return to playing, the Carolina Hurricanes may be in need of a senior veteran presence on a team so filled with youth. Brian Boyle could be that presence and can join the team at a bargain rate.
The American center is still looking for a team to join for the upcoming season, his 15th in the NHL. Barring rejoining one of his former teams, he will be playing for his seventh NHL team. The question becomes if the Carolina Hurricanes and Don Waddell should have discussions with the Veteran to join the team.
While Boyle isn’t well known for his prowess on the ice, or for any sort of in-game heroics, its his off the ice heroics that has more than earned him an opportunity to continue his career. His presence intills a respect from all players on the ice on both benches. His leadership qualities have made him a great Rangers, Lightning, and Devils player over the year.
What new city should we go to pal? pic.twitter.com/vQ7oCAWsBE
— Brian Boyle (@BriBrows22) July 2, 2019
When named to the All-Star game two years ago in Tampa Bay, he received a standing ovation from the crowd, even after he opted to sign with the devils. When contemplating where to sign for his next NHL contract he posted the above heartfelt picture of himself with his son. Even Cancer couldn’t keep him down, and after remission, he continued to play hard in the NHL.
The Carolina Hurricanes however are in the business of winning games. The hearts and souls of the fans comes second and mostly as a byproduct of the antics that comes after the winning. There is no Storm Surge if the team doesn’t win. So does a 4th line center like Boyle fit in with the team?
The answer relies on two thing. Will Justin Williams return as Captain of the Hurricanes and lead them back to the promised land? If Williams decides to retire, perhaps there might be room on the roster for a veteran that knows when to say the right word and could possibly lead a Storm Surge or three. But the Carolina Hurricanes simply don’t need another center.
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Funny, a year ago, that statement wouldn’t be uttered. By as of right now there are already FIVE centers who will be going after the four center positions on the roster, the loser will have to play on the wing. Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal, Martin Necas, Erik Haula, and Lucas Wallmark are all looking to solidify their roles at center.
Now granted, no one is moving Aho or Staal out of the #1 and #2 Center slots, and it might be Haula or Necas who ultimately get moved to the wing, considering both have extensive experience playing that position last year. But would Boyle agree to playing the wing? He isn’t a stranger to the position, having played left wing throughout his career. So it just might work.
In the end, the Carolina Hurricanes will not make a move on another Veteran like Boyle until they know for certain that Justin Williams will not be returning. Perhaps even then, they might just turn to Jordan Staal as their most veteran player and continue to retain one of the youngest rosters in the league.
Question for CC Readers: Do you think that Brian Boyle would be a good fit in Carolina?