Keaner is dead on accurate, and for kencan and whoever suggested signing Boyes take a look:

2008-09 St. Louis Blues NHL 82 33 39 72 26 -20 4 2 1 3 0
2009-10 St. Louis Blues NHL 82 14 28 42 26 1 -- -- -- -- --
2010-11 St. Louis Blues NHL 62 12 29 41 30 11 -- -- -- -- --
2010-11 Buffalo Sabres NHL 21 5 9 14 6 2 7 1 0 1 0
2011-12 Buffalo Sabres NHL 65 8 15 23 6 2 -- -- -- -- --
2012-13 New York Islanders NHL 45 9 25 34 16 -7

I see a steady decline until he signed here and is playing with JT, who despite his goal scoring this year is on pace to slip in assists - because his linemates aren't producing.

Suggesting Boyes be signed to a multiyear deal (wtf?) at 3 years and 9 mil is ridiculous. That is what makes players untradeable in a salary cap world when a lot of teams will be looking to shed salary this offseason. That's a good way to get fired as a GM (unlikely Snow would have to even worry about that with Wang paying the bills, but for anyone else it would be a real worry)

where would you play Boyes if he wasn't on the first line? Does he fit anywhere else in our lineup currently? I'd say no. Is he a good fit on the first line? I'd say no. Did we get decent value as a fill in from Boyes? Possibly. Can we do something similar with someone else in the offseason or internally? I'd say absolutely yes.

Let's look at something here, Boyes was signed to a one year deal at 1 mil. This means he did NOT have a better offer. He played himself down to the 3rd and 4th lines in Buffalo. He served a purpose this year which was to be a placeholder in the lineup.

I wouldn't have touched the offer PA signed from Colorado and I wouldn't offer Boyes even 1/3 of what PA got on a one year deal at this point. That first line needs a different element on it to get the most out of the talent JT and Moulson have and it's not Boyes that will provide it.

Next!

***oh, as far as Streit, sign him for a 2 year deal at 3-4 mil per, or let him walk and bring up Donovan. While Streit has been valuable on the PP, LV has been far more useful at even strength and on the PK and I really liked what i saw of Donovan last year in limited time and this year he's taken a step forward in the AHL. 5-6th spot is the perfect place to ease him into the NHL and shelter him from getting stuck against top lines from other teams. LV was the critical resigning I wanted to see and has turned into one hell of a trade by Snow, who also played the situation perfectly, didn't burn any bridges with the player and actually got him to sign here for 2 more years. Brilliant.
- Isles_since_6

question for all the PA lovers:

what would you rather?

be where we are right now with todays team and position in the standings (IE boyes) OR start the season all over again with pap...which would you take?
- LetsGoIsles

The question I think should be where would we be with PA instead of Boyes? Would we be better off with someone who obviously had chemistry on that line playing with JT and Moulson and put up a very respectable 67 points and was over a PP game player this year? If you think Boyes offers some kind of dynamic that has helped propel us to the PO's my reply would be I'd take a chance without that "dynamic". Boyes is terrible, he has not helped this team get to where it is, we would probably be in a better position without him. The "OR" part was serious I guess? Kind of a ridiculous baited question no?

agreed...my point was that there are 5-6 other players talent-wise that id rather see on the top line than boyes.
- LetsGoIsles

absolutely

Nino Wil be top line RW next year. Snow did the best thing you can do to Nino. Not all players have JT mentality. Nino put up numbers, got upset we wouldnt bring him up. Now he will have Chip on his shoulder. He should never want to go down to minors ever again.

I do think Boyes will resign. He definately earned a raise over his 1MM he made this year. I say he gets a 3 year 9MM deal. He still has plenty of hockey left.
And i think he does want to stay on LI.

Here is only PA Parenteau you will need to know. PA Parenteau will be golfing next week. Ask him if he would trade one less year off his contract in lanche to be playign with isles in Playoffs right now. Imagine what would be going through his mind if isles make a cinderella run and win it all.

Hockey not just about stats, its about playing a complete game and good chemistry. PA stats mean nothing when his team is Bottom of Western Conference.
- Spartiarti

He has none to begin with

3 years 9 million??
lets take it one year at a time offer him 1.5/2

plus.. if Nino will be the top line wing next year why would we sign Boyes to 3 years???XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

He's going to play on the checking line

Huh??
- kasperrko

Yah, that was a good one.

From Katie Strang's chat this afternoon:

JP (Babylon, NY)


Katie, thanks for another chat! With the Isles and Rangers almost certainly both going to be playoff teams, which team do you think goes further? Thanks!

Katie Strang (3:19 PM)


Isles. They are playing with so much confidence right now. So are Rangers, but I think the Isles' match up a bit better against the top teams in the East

In regard to the Boyes and Nino discussion. I think Snow see's if he can get a true power right wing for Tavares' line by using Nino as a trade chip. I don't think he was thrilled when Nino's agent asked for a trade in February. Boyes' production seemed to have gone down over the last 10 games so I think Snow will wait to sign Boyes.

In regard to the Boyes and Nino discussion. I think Snow see's if he can get a true power right wing for Tavares' line by using Nino as a trade chip. I don't think he was thrilled when Nino's agent asked for a trade in February. Boyes' production seemed to have gone down over the last 10 games so I think Snow will wait to sign Boyes.
- kear20

I doubt that upsets him all that much when Vis refused to report seven times seven different ways and then signed him to a two year deal.

The question I think should be where would we be with PA instead of Boyes? Would we be better off with someone who obviously had chemistry on that line playing with JT and Moulson and put up a very respectable 67 points and was over a PP game player this year? If you think Boyes offers some kind of dynamic that has helped propel us to the PO's my reply would be I'd take a chance without that "dynamic". Boyes is terrible, he has not helped this team get to where it is, we would probably be in a better position without him. The "OR" part was serious I guess? Kind of a ridiculous baited question no?
- Cptmjl

its not a "baited question"

its a question that makes someone question how much more having pap on the team vs boyes would really effect their current team/positioning. i say its marginal at best.

In regard to the Boyes and Nino discussion. I think Snow see's if he can get a true power right wing for Tavares' line by using Nino as a trade chip. I don't think he was thrilled when Nino's agent asked for a trade in February. Boyes' production seemed to have gone down over the last 10 games so I think Snow will wait to sign Boyes.
- kear20

I dont think a 19 year old prospect female doging and moaning about not playing on the big club is going to get him traded. Strome, Nino, Nelson and Donovan should get a real shot at making the team next year. I dont see Snow making any trades for a top line winger. Nino or Strome will have every opportunity to fill in that spot.


Again all this talk about Boyes vs PA.....is baffling. As someone said earlier......we didnt make the playoffs with PA last year, yet are in the hunt with Boyes now. I know thats not really a great argument, but this roster right now as is, is the best hockey this team has played since Peca was the captain.

The question I think should be where would we be with PA instead of Boyes? Would we be better off with someone who obviously had chemistry on that line playing with JT and Moulson and put up a very respectable 67 points and was over a PP game player this year? If you think Boyes offers some kind of dynamic that has helped propel us to the PO's my reply would be I'd take a chance without that "dynamic". Boyes is terrible, he has not helped this team get to where it is, we would probably be in a better position without him. The "OR" part was serious I guess? Kind of a ridiculous baited question no?
- Cptmjl

and that was the question i was asking...

fwiw, if it were an 82 game schedule...boyes is on pace for 62 points...

I dont think a 19 year old prospect female doging and moaning about not playing on the big club is going to get him traded. Strome, Nino, Nelson and Donovan should get a real shot at making the team next year. I dont see Snow making any trades for a top line winger. Nino or Strome will have every opportunity to fill in that spot.


Again all this talk about Boyes vs PA.....is baffling. As someone said earlier......we didnt make the playoffs with PA last year, yet are in the hunt with Boyes now. I know thats not really a great argument, but this roster right now as is, is the best hockey this team has played since Peca was the captain.
- kindlyrick

the reason for that is the upgrade on defense along with a second line that's actually scoring and a third and fourth line that actually can chip in. Nabby has stopped letting in 1-2 softies a game and the forwards are (usually, except for Boyes and Moulson) picking up the right man on the backcheck.

and that was the question i was asking...

fwiw, if it were an 82 game schedule...boyes is on pace for 62 points...
- LetsGoIsles

if Boyes and JT were a couple of kids, Boyes would be the fat lazy one being dragged behind JT while sitting on a wagon eating a ding dong.

the reason for that is the upgrade on defense along with a second line that's actually scoring and a third and fourth line that actually can chip in. Nabby has stopped letting in 1-2 softies a game and the forwards are (usually, except for Boyes and Moulson) picking up the right man on the backcheck.
- Isles_since_6

I completely understand, but im shaking my head reading some of the comments on here. The ISLANDERS ARE ABOUT TO CLINCH for the first time in years with a team that can actually upset a few teams in the east, and people are harping on Brad Boyes. I mean c'mon.......is he the answer for the future, NO. But, regardless of the reason, when was the last time the isles got pts in 12 straight games. The roster they have now is working.......its mind boggling i know, but right now the isles are looking great. I cant believe people are talking about changing things up. ITS WORKING!!!!

I completely understand, but im shaking my head reading some of the comments on here. The ISLANDERS ARE ABOUT TO CLINCH for the first time in years with a team that can actually upset a few teams in the east, and people are harping on Brad Boyes. I mean c'mon.......is he the answer for the future, NO. But, regardless of the reason, when was the last time the isles got pts in 12 straight games. The roster they have now is working.......its mind boggling i know, but right now the isles are looking great. I cant believe people are talking about changing things up. ITS WORKING!!!!
- kindlyrick

That's what the discussion's about though. I don't think anyone's saying they should change anything right now. Just talking about what next year's team might look like until tonight's Ottawa/Pitt and Jets/Buffalo games give us something else to talk about.

and that was the question i was asking...

fwiw, if it were an 82 game schedule...boyes is on pace for 62 points...
- LetsGoIsles

And 72 going the other way. Not that pa was some defensive stalwart but I don't think we need to debate who is the better player? The guy is terrible

if Boyes and JT were a couple of kids, Boyes would be the fat lazy one being dragged behind JT while sitting on a wagon eating a ding dong.
- Isles_since_6

What would Moulson be doing?

What would Moulson be doing?
- canadianpenfan

moulson would be on a pedal bike near JT but looking off balance the whole time

its not a "baited question"

its a question that makes someone question how much more having pap on the team vs boyes would really effect their current team/positioning. i say its marginal at best.
- LetsGoIsles

Here's the real question: Who gives a s**t? Its a question that can't be answered, one that is irrelevant anyway. I love me some PAP jokes as much as the next guy, but its time to let it go.

Its also time to let go of the "Brad Boyes sucks" crap. Fact is, Boyes makes $1M. He's got 34 pts in 45 games. That's 12 and 16 points more than KO and Bailey, respectively. Everyone here (myself included) has been pleased with KO and Bailey the past few weeks, so I don't understand where all the hate comes from for Boyes.

The guy makes less $ than quite a few guys he's outscoring right now on this team. The team is playing well right now. Boyes and the first line were carrying thie team in the early going. I don't think anyone, including Snow, thinks Boyes is the long-term solution on the top line, but he's fine for it now. But from what you read on these boards everyday, you'd think Boyes was Marty Reasoner or Jeff Tambellini (or Scott Scissions).

I completely understand, but im shaking my head reading some of the comments on here. The ISLANDERS ARE ABOUT TO CLINCH for the first time in years with a team that can actually upset a few teams in the east, and people are harping on Brad Boyes. I mean c'mon.......is he the answer for the future, NO. But, regardless of the reason, when was the last time the isles got pts in 12 straight games. The roster they have now is working.......its mind boggling i know, but right now the isles are looking great. I cant believe people are talking about changing things up. ITS WORKING!!!!
- kindlyrick

I think the "debate" today is whether Boyes should be resigned. Yes it works but it'd probably work better without him. I don't think anyone is unhappy about our current position.

Instead of talking about the playoffs and potential 1st rd matchups people are still talking about Boyes & Pap?? We should all be enjoying this crazy run they are on and hope it continues into the postseason

Instead of talking about the playoffs and potential 1st rd matchups people are still talking about Boyes & Pap?? We should all be enjoying this crazy run they are on and hope it continues into the postseason
- Vukota

Agreed the Boyes conversation is even older then the pa one at this point yet I do it daily lately

I completely understand, but im shaking my head reading some of the comments on here. The ISLANDERS ARE ABOUT TO CLINCH for the first time in years with a team that can actually upset a few teams in the east, and people are harping on Brad Boyes. I mean c'mon.......is he the answer for the future, NO. But, regardless of the reason, when was the last time the isles got pts in 12 straight games. The roster they have now is working.......its mind boggling i know, but right now the isles are looking great. I cant believe people are talking about changing things up. ITS WORKING!!!!
- kindlyrick

I don't think inserting a rookie into the line up at this point in the season and especially the top line is a good way to bring them into the NHL. I dislike having Boyes in that spot but at the moment bringing up Strome or Nino and asking them to play on the top line and produce is too much to expect. While a lot of us here are more than ready to drive Boyes to the airport to get rid of him (aside from me as it would be a really long drive) the situations we're talking about would take place in the off season. If the other lines weren't clicking as well as they are I'd be suggesting moving parts around but as it is, this is what is working for the team even if JT and Moulson look like they're playing shorthanded at times when Boyes is on the ice.

I'm excited for the Isles to make the playoffs, but it's not going to cause me to overlook the glaring hole on JT's right side.

I think the "debate" today is whether Boyes should be resigned. Yes it works but it'd probably work better without him. I don't think anyone is unhappy about our current position.
- Cptmjl

Truth is, I can see him being re-signed, for the right $$. A re-signing of Boyes doesn't preclude the team from signing a better UFA or to go trade for a better RW to man the top line. It also doesn't preclude a kid like Nino or Strome or whoever from ascending to the top line if they earn it in camp. It would be a signing for depth.