Pending unrestricted free agent Dan Boyle’s list of suitors is growing by the minute, and a handful of Original Six franchises are knocking at the veteran defenceman’s door.
The New York Rangers have also called to inquire.
The Rangers and Red Wings each covet a power-play quarterback, as they ranked 15th and 18th, respectively, in that category last season. Both teams struggled with the man advantage in the playoffs as well, with the Rangers operating at a dismal 12.6 percent in 25 games and the Red Wings going just two for 20 in their five post-season contests.
ESPN.com is also reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs have a serious interest in the 37-year-old. The Leafs had the sixth-best power play in the NHL despite missing the playoffs but are looking to improve their defence in the off-season.
Boyle’s rights currently belong to the New York Islanders after he was traded by the San Jose Sharks earlier this month in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. Boyle isn’t expected to sign a deal with the Islanders, but if he does, the draft pick will become a fourth-rounder.
Boyle finished the 2013-14 season with 36 points in 75 games with the Sharks. The 2010 Olympic gold medallist had been with the Sharks since 2008. Boyle won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning and broke into the league with the Florida Panthers in the 1998-99 season. In 954 career regular-season games, the Ottawa native has 643 points, including 66 power-play goals.
