The New York Islanders acquired the rights to San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle on Thursday. The Sharks get a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2015 NHL draft for giving up Boyle’s rights.
Boyle, a two-time All-Star, just finished a six-year, $40 million contract. He could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. If the Islanders sign Boyle then the Sharks fifth-round pick would become a fourth-round pick, according to USA Today. Last month Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said that he wouldn’t offer Boyle a contract and that the trade would give him something in return.
"I cannot say enough about the kind of guy he is, the player, everything that he brought to the table for us. An ultimate competitor," Wilson said about Boyle. "We're going to go forward transitioning this team to the young players on the back end, but first and foremost there is a great appreciation for Dan."
For the past six seasons Boyle has been with the Sharks. He had 12 goals and 36 points in 75 games this season, and had four assists in seven playoff games, according to NHL.com. He is the Sharks all-time leader in goals (68), assists (201), and points (269) by a defenseman.
Boyle has played in the NHL for 15 seasons. In addition to the Sharks he has also played for the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has 144 goals and 561 points in 954 games in 15 seasons. He ranks fourth among active defenseman in points and goals.