{"id":7667,"date":"2017-03-17T07:30:57","date_gmt":"2017-03-17T11:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=7667"},"modified":"2017-03-16T20:52:34","modified_gmt":"2017-03-17T00:52:34","slug":"brian-boyle-is-long-term-solution-for-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2017\/03\/17\/brian-boyle-is-long-term-solution-for-toronto-maple-leafs\/","title":{"rendered":"Brian Boyle is a Long-Term Solution for Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the Toronto Maple Leafs pulled the trigger to acquire Brian Boyle<\/a><\/strong> at the trade deadline, it sent a clear message to the team. Lou Lamoriello<\/strong> thinks his team is ready to win now. And Boyle not only fits a need of the team in the short-term. But for the long-term as well.<\/p>\n

Although much of his fit into the ‘Shanaplan’ will be dependent on how the rest of the season goes. If Boyle eats up key minutes through the stretch and the Maple Leafs make the playoffs, expect to see him back in the blue and white next year. \u00a0The Leafs have the cap space to make a nice offer to the big centre, and ensure that he is not just a rental. One can consider the next several weeks as an extended audition for Boyle, in attempting to get that offer.<\/p>\n

Brian Boyle is Long-Term Solution for Toronto Maple Leafs<\/h2>\n

Boyle fits for a number of reasons. \u00a0First his size.<\/p>\n

At 6’7″ and\u00a0243 pounds, Boyle is built for grinding. He is on the last year of his deal making his acquisition attainable and price affordable (a second round pick and prospect; Byron Froese<\/a><\/strong>.) \u00a0The addition of which adds veteran depth to a young leafs team. More specifically, he solidifies the 4th line center position. It is a position where the Leafs were looking for\u00a0some depth\u00a0just prior to the trade<\/a>\u00a0according to coach Mike Babcock<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Not to slight Ben Smith<\/a><\/strong> or Frederick Gauthier<\/strong>. But neither of the two is ready to have a solidified starting job in the league to this point. The team struggled when Tyler Bozak<\/a><\/strong> and Smith went down earlier, leading to\u00a0Gauthier and\u00a0William Nylander<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>taking more of the reps at the position.<\/p>\n

The conclusion?<\/p>\n

The depth at the center position was a huge concern.<\/p>\n

“His line has been outstanding…” said Babcock when asked about Boyle’s production since joining the team<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“(Boyle) is stopping on defence, doing the right thing. We can roll four out the gate. We put them out on d-zone faceoffs. We don\u2019t worry about them. I think he\u2019s bringing a tonne to the team.”<\/p>\n

Pretty high praise from the veteran bench boss.<\/p>\n

Boyle adds offense as well as defens.<\/h3>\n

His 23 points on the season are far more production than Smith or Gauthier (the two have seven points combined on the season).<\/p>\n

In Tuesday\u00a0night’s blowout against the Panthers, Boyle’s line was the only one on the Leafs who’s possession was above 50% (He was at 67%, while Kadri, Matthews and Bozak were all under 33%).<\/p>\n

His poise and experience bring depth to a locker room that was relatively lacking up to this point. And that isn’t even getting into his playoff experience.<\/p>\n

Boyle’s 100 playoff games since 2011, are the most of any NHL player over that span.<\/p>\n

That’s pretty impressive.<\/p>\n

Not to mention it matches the amount of appearances for the Leafs organization since 1995.<\/p>\n

He is also much better in the face off circle than many of the Leafs centers. \u00a0Aside from Bozak, Boyle’s 50.9% on draws is higher than any Leaf with more than 250 attempts. That includes Matthews and Kadri.<\/p>\n

Boyle is a winner. \u00a0Clear and simple. \u00a0And that sort of attitude can only become infectious to a young Leafs team.<\/p>\n

Boyle’s addition can help Toronto learn how to close out games. \u00a0Both in overtime and in the third period. \u00a0After all, experience is the best teacher.<\/p>\n

He’ll get the chance to show that experience as the Leafs play Boyle’s former team, the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. \u00a0A good test for his leadership role on a young team coming off a blowout loss.<\/p>\n

And perhaps most importantly…<\/p>\n

He\u00a0is excited to be in Toronto.<\/h3>\n

When asked how he felt about being traded the Maple Leafs, Boyle was excited about the prospect of playing with the young guns in Toronto<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“We’re in a great spot here… We’ve got a good shot at getting into the playoffs. \u00a0You try not to take it for granted… It’s just the most fun hockey there is.”<\/p>\n

“When you make a trade you have to give up something… If Lou, Mike and Shanny want to come get me… I want to prove them right.”<\/p>\n

If all goes according to plan, Boyle’s experience and grit may be an asset for the team for many years to come.<\/p>\n

 
\nMain Photo:<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n