Brian Boyle Signs with Panthers

The team announced Sunday, that forward Brian Boyle has agreed to terms on a one year, $940,000 deal. Splitting time between Nashville and New Jersey, he posted 18 goals and six assists, for 24 points. Boyle is most likely a character signing for Florida. They’ve opened up their season 3-2-3, and seem to lack a bottom line center. He will do just that. He can play penalty killing minutes, as well as power-play minutes as a big body to screen the goalie. Boyle is 6’6. He had a 52.34% in the faceoff dot last season, and has a 50.4% throughout his whole career .

His Career

This past season, Boyle was traded from NJ to Nashville for a second round pick. In the 2017-18 season, he won the Bill Masterton trophy. This is awarded to the player who best shows the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. He won the award after it was announced that he had Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. He proved to be a great presence in the locker room, and on the ice. It is also worth mentioning that he got the all-star nod after teammate Taylor Hall was struck down with an injury back in 2018.

The Panthers will be the seventh team Boyle plays for. In the past, he has played for the Kings, Rangers, Lighting, Maple Leafs, Devils, and Predators. He was chosen with the 26th overall pick back in 2003. If he plays 34 games this season, he’ll hit the 800 NHL games milestone.

With over 700 games played in the NHL and over 100 more in the playoffs, Brian brings a wealth of experience to our club; He adds versatility and character to our lineup

– Panther’s general manager Dale Tallon on Brian Boyle

Will this signing work out for the cats? Will this be the final season in a story book career for Brian? We’ll find out.