The Rangers need more from Dan Boyle

The Rangers need more from Dan Boyle

There are many reasons to hope Dan Boyle can get his game to the point where he sticks in the Rangers line-up in what appears to be his final season as an NHL defenseman. First of all, if Boyle improves it would surely bring with it a ripple effect on the Rangers blueline – his improved play would solidify the Rangers’ top six. It would also likely mean he’s helped influence an indifferent powerplay (despite just two PP assists only Keith Yandle averages more PP ice time among Rangers blueliners). It would also likely mean that the Rangers have continued to win games meaning management don’t prioritise changes to their experienced but at this point underwhelming (as a unit) blueline.

The most important reason to hope for a short term Dan Boyle resurgence however currently resides outside of the New York spotlight. It’s Brady Skjei. Not every young college alumni can Ryan McDonagh themselves to the NHL. Not every defenseman is ready after a few weeks of pro ice time and the Rangers should (and likely have) absolutely no interest in rushing their prized asset. Dan Boyle’s situation however massively influences the Rangers immediate attitude toward Skjei.

At times this season the Rangers have struggled to breakout cleanly from their own zone. That all important first pass from the backend hasn’t been what it needs to be, even more so when you consider the calibre of defenseman in New York – this isn’t a top six full of Stu Bickel’s after all. Boyle, while traditionally a puck carrier rather than a puck mover, is expected to be part of the solution; especially given the salary he’s commanding and the reputation he has brought to Manhattan.

Skjei has developed in Hartford to the point where he’s already in the conversation about solutions to the Rangers’ defensive ‘problems’ (and what lovely problems they are when you are stressing despite a 14-3-2 record…) but Skjei isn’t dominating at the AHL level yet. He’s still learning the pro game and unless the Rangers’ need is acute, Skjei would surely be best served with significant minutes and a major role in Hartford rather than being forced into a depth position for the Rangers.

Skjei is sporting a -6 in Hartford, along with 5 assists in 17 games. It’s foolish to draw any meaningful conclusions from the rawest of available statistics but Skjei isn’t demanding to be in New York with his on ice play just yet. Expectations need to be kept in check for the young blueline prospect. By all accounts Skjei is on the right path and will surely be in New York sooner rather than later. Perhaps the departure of Boyle following this season will provide a natural ascension point for Skjei but Skjei isn’t best served by getting to New York ahead of schedule.

Beyond the big league team’s on-ice performance, Skjei’s development curve will be one of the key focal points for the Rangers right now – along with that of Pavel Buchnevich. Every successful club needs a regular infusion of fresh talent but that talent also has to be brought along at the right time. If Dan Boyle even remotely earns his pay packet this season it will be best for everyone concerned.  Including Brady Skjei.

 

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