NHL Trade Rumors: Oilers targeting Lightning center Brian Boyle

The Edmonton Oilers, according to the Edmonton Sun, are interested in acquiring Tampa Bay Lightning center Brian Boyle. 

It’s weird to see the Edmonton Oilers being aggressive as buyers at the NHL trade deadline. After years of mediocrity and selling, they’re looking like a playoff team in the 2016-17 season. Peter Chiarelli, no stranger to building a championship caliber team, is looking to upgrade his stagnant offense. One target, according to Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Sun, could be Brian Boyle of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"If you’re wondering what Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli has been up in full buyer mode to with the NHL trade deadline three weeks away, he’s been looking at third-line centers.He was spotted in Minnesota a few days ago when Tampa Bay was there. Chiarelli was looking at Lightning unrestricted free-agent Brian Boyle, who’s averaging almost 14 minutes a game, is winning more than 50 per cent of his draws and has 12 goals."

If the Oilers want to make a postseason run, they have to add at least one center. Moving Leon Draisaitl up to Connor McDavid’s line has left them with questionable center depth. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is the number two center, but after him, they don’t have too many options. Mark Letestu is more of a fourth line option than a third line option. Boyle would give the Oilers a strong third line option who can win faceoffs.

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Another good thing about him is he’d be relatively cheap. An inexpensive center upgrade would be huge, as they have to address their blue line and will likely kick the tires on some of the goaltenders. Chiarelli has never been shy to make moves to help his team, so expect him to address the Oilers sudden lack of center depth.