Today might be my favorite day of the hockey year. July 1st is fun in theory, but trade deadline day is a whole lot dishier in terms of drama. Plus, this year we have a new owner who is like, “Here’s a lot of money for you to spend, Darcy. Go crazy. Do you think you might need more money? Because I have more. You know what’s probably easiest? Here’s my credit card. Just go nuts. And buy yourself something pretty while you’re at it.”
Over the last week or so I’ve been trying to brace myself for a typically restrained trade deadline day, because honestly, “restrained” really seems like it’s part of Darcy’s genetic code, but perhaps I’ve misjudged him. He’s already traded for a new guy!
Welcome to Buffalo, New Guy!
He looks nice! His name is Brad Boyes.
Brad Boyes is a little confusing because these are his lifetime NHL stats:
What the eff, Boysie?
It’s a bit difficult to figure out what we’re dealing with here, but I don’t think there is any cause for alarm because as of right this minute, Boyes is the second highest scoring Sabre on the team. (I know. Freaky. Why don’t we have anyone who can score?) The big news is that he’s got another year at $4 million left on his contract. So, if Boyes scores +30 goals next season we’ll call Darcy a genius. If he scores 14 goals… not-so-much on the whole, “Darcy’s a genius” thing.
Since the real risk of Brad Boyes is his bloated salary, and we’re spending Uncle Pegula’s money here, I like this deal. It’s fun to get a new player, and I think we can all agree that the Sabres need some fresh blood, even if that blood is a little on the streaky-for-entire-seasons-at-a-time side. I’m just going to do the optimistic thing and cheerfully assume that Boyes will benefit from a change of scenery and a contract year.
So….HOORAYZIES!
Hopefully this is just the tip of the iceberg and somehow we’ll end up with all the good players in the league by the end of the day. Fingers crossed, Sabres fans!
Sing-sing voice: *awwwk-wwward*
Most see Boyes as a gifted talent who needs strong linemates. He isn’t a guy who will carry a team on his shoulders. It is similar to the Pominville with Briere situation.
Boyes had his best years skating with Kariya, Backes and Tkachuck. If Lindy puts him on the right line, and sticks with it (see Torres, Raffi), this will be a good deal for Buffalo.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Oz
Vanek, Roy and Boyes will make up the TomBoy Roy line which will score lots of goals next year. You heard it here first!
Very disappointed to see Timmy Connolly is still a member of the Sabres.
Thanks Chris! I’m really looking forward to seeing how Lindy handles Boyes. He isn’t a rental, so hopefully Lindy will be highly motivated to find the right linemates for him.
Mike in Idaho, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Me too, Lisa. But, with Roy-Z injured, I can understand why they felt they needed to keep Timmy around. I don’t really like it, but I can understand it.