I wanted to get a better understanding of what type of player and teammate that Brad Boyes is. Since I could not get the newly minted Sabres winger on the phone directly, I reached out to one of his former teammates, Jay McKee, who played with Boyes in St. Louis.
McKee knows both teams very well, having played for the Sabres and Blues in his illustrious NHL career.
I trust Jay McKee implicitly. I respect his opinion. When he was a Sabre, Jay always looked me in the eye and answered every question with a well though out answer.
Today, I reached out to #74 to get his takes on Boyes:
" He's a great pickup for Buffalo. I think the change of scenery should do him well. He has the ability to score a ton of goals with his one timer, high circle", McKee told me.
There's a lot to like about a guy who can fill the net with regularity, while paying careful attention to all three zones. Boyes is not a one dimensional player. He's more than just a sniper. Boyes does some of his best work away from the puck-- back checking, playing stick on stick D, and denying time and space for opposing players.
How is Boyes in the room? McKee gives high praise to Boyes for his professionalism.
"He is one of the best people I've met in the game.. A real genuine "character" person.. Was a pleasure playing with him and he was always a great guy to be around".
Boyes will love playing in Buffalo, which is a short par five away from his family and friends in his home town of Mister and Mrs. Sauga. He'll be playing with his former Erie Otter teammates, Connolly and Montador. Lindy Ruff will pump this kid up and gey him to feel good about himself and his game again.
It was 98/99 when Boyes, Connolly, and Monty all played together on the Erie Otters.
Connolly and Boyes played on the same line together in 98/99. Lindy Ruff will play them together again Tuesday night in Manhattan. Perhaps the Sabres used Connolly's relationship with Boyes to help broker the deal. Connolly's finder's fee is the confirmation that he will not be traded today.
In 98/99, Connolly and Boyes thrived while playing together.
Connolly scored 34 goals and added 34 helpers in 46 games.
Brad Boyes scored 24 goals, and added 26 assists in 59 games.
Add Thomas Vanek to this productive duo and you've got the makings of a potentially leathal scoring line.
Kevin Snow, my friend from the Sabres shares this excellent stat on Brad Boyes:
New Sabre Brad Boyes is 3rd on NHL Ironman list with 471 games. Has never missed a game due to injury in his career.
Lindy Ruff is going to LOVE this player. he's always on the ice for practice and games, and he is eager to get better every shift.
I already love the Brad Boyes acquisition. He's young, he's scored 30+ in recent seasons, he's a plus player, he back checks like a maniac, and from all accounts, he's a good teammate.
Stitch his name on his #22 sweater (Lindy's jersey #) and meet him at Laguardia in NYC. Lindy is an iron man, and so is his new forward.
Boyes travelled to Buffalo today to meet with team doctors for his obligatory physical exam.
He will fly to Manhattan tonight and will catch up with his new teammates at the hotel tonight. He'll take the game day skate Tuesday and will play inside MSG vs. the Rangers.
I feel terribly for former Sabre legend, Marty Biron, who suffered a broken collarbone at Rangers practice today. Biron has been the perfect backup to Hank Lundqvist.
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