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Montreal Canadiens Trade Options: 8 Possible Rental Players

By Kenric Mannette

Oct 15, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien speaks to his team in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Canadiens 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien speaks to his team in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Canadiens 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Examining how Brian Boyle could impact the Montreal Canadiens, if he was traded as a rental player, at the trade deadline.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have surprisingly gone into a brutal slump, and they could end up missing the Playoffs. The Lightning are currently sitting in sixth place in the Atlantic Division, and will need to make a big run to put themselves back in the Playoff hunt. One way the Lightning could make the Playoff push, is by simply getting healthy.

However, the Lightning could become sellers by the trade deadline, and have a few assets becoming free agents in the off-seasons. One of those players is towering Forward Brian Boyle.

Boyle’s Performance

Brian has been an effective third and fourth line role player for many years. Boyle kept up his current production rates this season, and has scored 10 goals in 36 games. Boyle Has never been a top producer offensively, but he may have his second 20 goal season of his career.

Where Boyle really makes an impact is with his strong defensive play, and face-off prowess. Currently Boyle is winning 50.7 percent of his face-offs, and takes many key draws in the defensive zone.

Impact on the Habs

Boyle could slide into a bottom six role for the Habs, and also be an effective Penalty Killer. Brian could also be used to take key defensive zone face-offs, or be heavily used in a shutdown role. Boyle has done an incredible job in that role in the past, and has plenty of Playoff experience.

Brian also would bring a ton of size to the Canadiens roster, as Boyle stands at six feet, six inches tall and weighs 244 pounds. An ideal spot for Boyle would be the Center on the Habs fourth line, and should have Michael McCarron on his wing. These two towering giants would be a real force for opposing teams to deal with in the Playoffs.

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