Defenseman Dan Boyle remains a top performer at both ends of the ice for the San Jose Sharks. He's solid at even strength, quarterbacks the power play and sees time on the penalty kill.
And at age 36, he doesn't look like he's slowed down very much, as he's still averaging more than 23 minutes of ice time per game.
But will he continue playing those major minutes for the Sharks?
NHL.com examines the pros and cons to the Sharks making Boyle available to move prior to the April 3 2013 NHL Trade Deadline:
Position: Defenseman
Age: 36
Statistics: 26 games, 4 goals, 8 assists, 12 points
Salary status: After this season, Boyle has one season left on his contract, with a salary-cap hit of just over $6.66 million.
Keep him: Despite his age, Boyle remains the most consistent performer on the San Jose blue line. His offensive skills might not be what they were a few seasons ago, but he's still able to lead the rush and quarterback the power play. The Sharks are in a dogfight for one of the final Stanley Cup Playoff spots in the Western Conference. To get over the hump and have any hope of a long playoff run, they'll need their best defenseman playing a major role at both ends of the ice.
Move him: Has the window closed on the San Jose Sharks' Stanley Cup hopes? After an outstanding start to the season the Sharks have been slumping, and general manager Doug Wilson could start looking to move out some of his aging veterans. Boyle could be a desirable player for a team looking to upgrade its attack from the back end and its power play. Boyle isn't big but has proven to be durable -- he played a career-best 81 games last season and has missed two games this season. And with one more season left on his contract after 2012-13, the return in any deal could be desirable enough to hasten his departure.
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