Holy hell, let's say Nash comes here for dubi AA +, I sure as hell could deal with boyle as 3rd line center of its because we get Nash. Regardless, I don't mind him as that anyway
I'm starting to wonder if most of the posters here even watch the same team? Boyle was our best PK player and faceoff man all year, he usually went against teams top lines with partners in crime such as fedotenko and Prust. He was a beast in the first round playing solid 2 way hockey, getting karlsson off his game, and scoring huge goals. Boyle was EXTREMELY overused by our coach last year, adding Halpern keeps him fresh and takes a ton of pressure off him. This was a great move and allows Boyle to play third line center, hopefully with better quality wingers depending on if we make a trade.
Boyle plays a great role on this team and I'm a very big fan of his for both his on and off ice presence on this team. However, he's not a 3rd line center. Our 3rd line center needs to be at least somewhat of a threat offensively, even a limited one. Boyle spent the end of 10-11 and 3/4 of 11-12 as an offensive vacuum.
Being a 4th line center does not preclude a player from playing a shut down role anymore.
Has anyone been able to find any of Halpern's FO numbers outside of last year? Only went back 3 or 4 years, but even NHL.com has nothing on him. Has he been a FO specialist/just good at FOs most of his career or what's the dealy?
For those who don't think that the team is positioning to make another move:
- It's been clear in everything management said in exit interviews - and that's been reported by the most knowledgeable writers in the industry - that they're looking to upgrade their offense.
- They haven't made a single move in this direction (although the increased skill in the 4th line will be welcome).
- They just signed their 14th forward (counting both Gabby and Haley, but none of the prospects).
They're clearly setting up for a move. Whether or not it's imminent is a different question - but they're clearly setting up for one.
i don't mind this signing at all. he adds some depth... he may not produce much, but you know when he is on the ice. solid 4th liner. i don't want him or boyle on the 3rd line... why did we let mitchell go? i'd rather him rofl.
def think this is adding some depth for a trade. nash? idk... watch us move boyle to montreal could help a lot with faceoffs
For those who don't think that the team is positioning to make another move:
- It's been clear in everything management said in exit interviews - and that's been reported by the most knowledgeable writers in the industry - that they're looking to upgrade their offense.
- They haven't made a single move in this direction (although the increased skill in the 4th line will be welcome).
- They just signed their 14th forward (counting both Gabby and Haley, but none of the prospects).
They're clearly setting up for a move. Whether or not it's imminent is a different question - but they're clearly setting up for one.
I really hope so considering they have about 14 forwards and 7 D as of now. This is not including prospects which could push for a spot. Overfilled so far.
Duby is most likely gone. Halpern is a great 3rd line center can kill penalties and is good on faceoffs which is a plus for us. i like this.
Easy there. Halpern didn't sniff a playoff game with the Caps until Jay Beagle broke his foot in Game 5 against you guys. I do think he's a good depth signing. I think his advanced stats say he had a decent season last year. But if he's you're 3rd line center you are DEFINITELY missing the playoffs.
For those who don't think that the team is positioning to make another move:
- It's been clear in everything management said in exit interviews - and that's been reported by the most knowledgeable writers in the industry - that they're looking to upgrade their offense.
- They haven't made a single move in this direction (although the increased skill in the 4th line will be welcome).
- They just signed their 14th forward (counting both Gabby and Haley, but none of the prospects).
They're clearly setting up for a move. Whether or not it's imminent is a different question - but they're clearly setting up for one.
The Rangers lost their 10th (Prust), 11th (Fedotenko) and 13th (Mitchell) forwards to free agency. Their 14th (Christensen) was traded at the deadline. So yes, bringing in 10th (Pyatt), 11th (Halpern), 13th (Asham) and 14th (Haley) forwards is totally an indication of moves to come.
Duby is most likely gone. Halpern is a great 3rd line center can kill penalties and is good on faceoffs which is a plus for us. i like this.
Yeah except Halpern is a 4th line C. So now we have 2 4th line centers... Looks like Brian Boyle is gonna be playing big minutes on the third line again next year
i'd rather him rofl. 
could help a lot with faceoffs
