Predators acquire Boyle from Devils
The Nashville Predators have acquired centre Brian Boyle from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2019 second-round pick.
The deal is Brian Boyle to NSH. NJ gets NSH 2019 2nd round pick in return. Done deal.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 6, 2019
Boyle is set to become an unrestricted free-agent this summer and adds tremendous size (6-foot-6, 245 lbs.) to the Predators’ bottom-6. The 34-year-old is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, having tallied 13 goals and 19 points through 47 games. Boyle has done significant damage with the man-advantage, becoming a fixture on the Devils’ top-unit. He has already set a new career-high in both power-play goals (6) and power-play points (8).
The veteran pivot ranks fifth on the Devils in power-play time on ice (2:54 TOI/gm) and fourth among forwards in penalty kill playing time (1:59 TOI/gm). Adding some veteran leadership with two-way ability became a need for the Predators after they lost Austin Watson to another suspension.
Boyle has 28 points (15G / 13A) in 111 career playoff games and the move from New Jersey to Nashville will have him in the postseason for the third season in a row and the ninth time in the last 10 years.