Report: Leafs forward receiving heavy interest from rival GM’s

One NHL insider reports that several teams have reached out to inquire about the veteran

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Leafs forward receiving heavy interest from rival GM’s
Keystone Press

The Toronto Maple Leafs provided one of the best breakout stories of the entire 2016-17 NHL season. To witness them emerge from dead last in the NHL and push the President’s Trophy winning Washington Capitals to six games, five of which ended in OT, was nothing short of incredible. Maybe it’s surprising then that a big part of the team’s run into the postseason, veteran forward Brian Boyle, looks to be moving on from the organization.

According the TSN reporter and NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Boyle has received plenty of interest from other general managers regarding his free-agent status, but has yet to have discussions with Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello.


On the one hand, you can understand the Leafs wanting to free up a roster spot by letting Boyle leave through free-agency. They’re a young team and the fourth line center position can be filled by a youngster like Frederik Gauthier. On the other hand, a young team like the Leafs could use a steady veteran presence on the ice and in the dressing room. Boyle is a two-time Stanley Cup finalist and knows what it takes to get to the big game.

If he elects to leave Toronto, where might Boyle end up? At 32 years-old he’s likely looking for an opportunity to win a Stanley Cup and could be signed to a relatively cheap contract. Chicago? Pittsburgh? Anaheim? Nashville? Maybe a return to New York? Time will tell.