The Florida Panthers added some key veteran depth to their team Sunday when they announced they have signed unrestricted veteran free agent Brian Boyle to a one-year deal, one-way contract. TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports the deal is worth $940K. The 34-year-old Boyle is expected to join the team in Coral Springs for practice on Monday.
“With over 700 games played in the NHL and over 100 more in the playoffs, Brian brings a wealth of experience to our club,” said general manager Dale Tallon. “He adds versatility and character to our lineup.”
Boyle, who will be now playing for his seventh NHL team and fifth team in the last three years, is coming off an 13-goal performance with the New Jersey Devils last year. However, with their season lost, the Devils traded Boyle to the Predators for a 2019 second-round pick. Boyle netted five goals in 26 games for the Predators. He scored 13 goals in 2017-18 for the Devils, and 13 goals in 2015-16 and 2016-17 for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Boyle received the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2017-18 for perseverence, sportsmanship and dedication for returning to hockey after being diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia.
The veteran is expected to immediately join their bottom-six, likely centering the fourth line. Head coach Joel Quenneville has spoken often about the importance of puck possession, which Boyle should help with. Throw in his 6-foot-6 frame and physical play and Boyle should add much needed grit to the Panthers this year. The team has already assigned youngster Henrik Borgstrom to the AHL to get more playing time, which should open up a spot on the team’s roster.
McKenzie was the first to report on the signing.
I hope he keeps signing one year deals with new teams. He’s gotta soon be approaching the record for most teams played for.
Bad news, JD. Boyle’r is *only* on his 7th team now. Mike Sillinger has the current record at 12 (link to hockey-reference.com). But I’d root for him to get 6 more 1-year deals to take over.
Maybe he’ll keep up his streak of being a deadline pickup and knock that number in half!
How ’bout both? Unfortunately, that might mean destinations that none of us want him to get to, especially just to collect a few more luggage stickers. Bit of a dilemma, there. But, thanks to age, he could turn those down.
Well, it is understandable, though. For the longest time, I would’ve sworn it was Mark Parrish. It seemed like he had hit almost every team in the league. Then, the boys on OverDrive mentioned Sillinger one day, and, sure enough, he’s the leader. I guess you could call it a bit of an “optical illusion”, of sorts. Either way, it would be kinda cool to see Boyle’r get the record, but only if it’s a productive 3-6 years. Can’t see him doing it any other way, than the right way. Top shelf guy, top shelf family. Really easy to root for, in my book.
Boyle has been class act in all his stops around league, may become valuable with Barkov list as undisclosed injury and expected duration unknown , til he is evaluated and Quenneville and Panthers release information. Good move by Florida.
Gerald,
Agreed hopefully Panthers make playoffs.
Thanks for info on most teams by players. I see Jim Dowd is top active player now in Washington with 10 , will that change, possibly , losing Barkov for anytime, will hurt, thou Panthers have to be more consistent on Defense, Bobrovsky aka “Bob” can’t stop all the pucks headed his way.
Gerald,
True… the d for years has been weak. Rowe messed this team up. Dale is trying to fix it. They always need a healthy number #1 goalie. They have the talent just needed a good coach!
This is Boyle’s 7th team, has played for Los Angeles, New York Rangers,Tampa Bay, Toronto,New Jersey, Nashville , and when Florida takes the ice will be number #7 , list does stop at 8
Gerald, are you looking at link to hockey-reference.com or another list? The current active guys shown there are Hainsey & McElhinney at 8. It’s sorted alphabetically, and grouped by the number of teams played. Makes it a little challenging to find the area you’re looking for, but I suppose it’s better than one really long table.
Hey mac, nah! as usual I saw Dowd’s name it was Jim Dowd , wrong Dowd , mistakingly confused him with Nic. after Cajun Chicken and Rice now time for nap , but have to watch Kirby Dach and my Black Hawks.
Man, that sounds good! All I have is craploads of wind and chuck roast…and Oilers v WPG…and Caps v Hawks…and for dessert, Flames v Ducks!
If it was a Raccoon Roasting in roasting pan , with potatoes, onions, and carrots, cooking in it’s on juices , will be there shortly.