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I spoke to Brad Boyes on a number of occasions over the last few years and could sense his frustration growing. From trying to find a new stick to being moved around on the power play it was obvious he was searching for answers. Hopefully a change of scenery will be the answer he was looking for all along.
We started to see Boyes come around on a few occasions this season and it’s safe to say if he’s put in the right situation he can be counted on to produce. This guy can still play. This isn’t a Jonathan Cheechoo situation where he can’t keep up.
Boyes received a phone call Sunday night from Blues GM Doug Armstrong as he was on the bus leaving the rink in Calgary.
I spoke to an emotional Boyes tonight after he received the news. He was quick to point out how much he loved St. Louis and the fans, what a great place St. Louis is to play hockey and how hard it is to say goodbye to his teammates. Boyes is one of the more likeable players in the NHL and it was clear the time had come for him to move on.
Boyes had a chance to speak with his new GM Darcy Regier and Head Coach Lindy Ruff who told him they’re excited to have him on board. Boyes will leave early Monday morning for Buffalo where he’ll join the team for a long 13 day road trip.
It’s clear the new Owner in Buffalo has his eyes on the playoffs and is willing to spend some money. It’s doubtful this deal could have been made two weeks ago. Boyes has one year remaining on a contract that carries a $4 million cap number.
The Blues certainly got some very good hockey out of Boyes who once topped the 40 goal plateau. This was when Paul Kariya was Kariya and he could dish with the best of them. Boyes never seemed to find the same chemistry with any of his linemates since.
A one time power play specialist Boyes has seen his most dramatic decline come on the PP. He scored 27 PPG from 2007-2009 and has scored only six since. His reduced production 5 on 5 has not been nearly as drastic. For one reason or another Boyes was no longer positioned in the same spot on the PP where he was when he enjoyed his two most productive NHL seasons.
On numerous occasions Boyes was relegated to fourth line duty and has seen reduced power play ice time.
His goal scoring may have taken a dip but Boyes remains very creative off the pass. He’s got tremendous vision and hockey sense and leaves town leading the Blues in assists. Boyes is at his best when he’s moving his feet and playing a puck pursuit game. When he waits for the play to come to him he’s not nearly as effective.
This guy will top 50 points this season so it’s clear he’s not some slug who can no longer play. He’s always been good when he goes to a new team and I won’t be surprised to see him find his offensive touch again.
Buffalo plays a much more open style that better suits his game and he should fit in there nicely. He played Junior with Sabres D-man Steve Montador and forward Tim Connolly so he not walking into a completely unfamiliar situation.
Best of luck to Brad Boyes, one of the true good guys in the game.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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