Could Brian Boyle be Headed Back to Broadway?

NY POST: And indeed, The Post has learned that the team has checked in with Boyle, who was one of the key forces through the team’s ascension at the start of the last decade. Let’s make it clear. A contract offer is not around the corner. As we understand it, management has advised Boyle that the team is taking a wait-and-see approach with the kids.

https://nypost.com/2021/01/06/rangers-reach-out-to-nhl-free-agent-brian-boyle/

I cannot tell you how happy I am to feel this way. Rangers fans, in the last year we have lost Henrik Lundqvist and Marc Staal, two faces who have been in that locker room for years and years and years. Right now, the Rangers are slated to have the youngest team in the league and with youth- you need to add leadership and accountability. Insert Brian Boyle.

I’ve always loved the way this guy has played. You can slide him up and down the lineup, count on him for blocked shots, sticking up for teammates and when you need your team to win a big draw. Now, I know some gremlins will be upset because of his age but let me ask you these questions:

When is the last time the Rangers had a fourth line that you could count on? (Boyle, Dorsett, Moore)

This line had an identity and was a pain in the ass to play against. No offense to Megna, Sheppard, McKegg, Carey, Desharnais, etc. but that never have these names even remotely resembled a line that valuable.

How many times in the last few years have the Rangers been able to put two centerman on the ice late in the game for an important draw and know that possession was going the other way?

Outside of Lemieux and DeAngelo, how may times have Rangers played with snarl and bite back when other teams tried outmuscling?

Boyle brings face-offs, penalty killing, a heavy defensive game and leadership qualities for pennies on a dime. Again, I understand the importance of the youth but youth can be lost without a strong surrounding. Brian Boyle could come to New York and help out in dozens of ways on the ice and even more off of it. To me? This is a no brainer. Bring back Boyle and do it fast. Will it happen? Probably not but for right now I’ll smile knowing there’s an article in the Post talking about how it could happen.