Player Profile: Brad Boyes

2010-11 Regular Season stats:

2011 Postseason stats:

Career: 

Look Back: Fans were once again disappointed with the production of this year’s trade deadline deal. Boyes had 5 goals, 9 assists in his 21 games as a Sabre, which would be on pace for 55 points for a 82-game schedule.  It was Boyes late season slump and non-existent presence against the Flyers that had fans irritated.  To Boyes defense, the team asked him to play out of position down the stretch and into the playoffs out of necessity.  Boyes is a more natural winger and as long as the team addresses depth at center this offseason, it should allow Boyes to work along the boards more and hopefully gets him close to returning to the two-time 30 goal scorer that fans are hoping.

Look Ahead: The Sabres roster seems to have an extensive list of players that could and should be scoring 20+ goals and 60+ points. This team needs Boyes to be one of those contributors.  Many people, myself included, believe that the Boyes deal was much more about this coming season than last season.  Given a full offseason to learn the system and a return to his natural position at wing, I have moderately high expectations for Boyes.  The question is going to be what line should he play on?  With Pominville, Stafford and himself, the Sabres have a number of right wingers. Does Lindy Ruff get creative or is one going to be moved out of position?  If Tim Connolly is re-signed and ends up being the 3rd line center, it could be fun to watch Connolly and Boyes on a 3rd line, no?

Fake Darcy’s Take: Boyesy was arguably the greatest trade deadline deal I have ever made. He actually scored some goals. With that being said, I wouldn’t buy any green bananas if I were him.  I would trade him for the flu right now. I’d love to free up the cash owed to him.

Twitter: @brianbund & @fakedarcy