Tampa Bay Lightning: Top Five Trades In Franchise History

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Nov 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle (22) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Coming in at number five on the best trades in Tampa Bay Lightning history list is the trade that put defenseman Dan Boyle in a Bolts uniform. The team swiped Boyle from division and in-state rival Florida Panthers for a 2005 5th round pick.

Boyle was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Panthers during the 1998 season. He started his pro career with the organization’s American Hockey League affiliate Kentucky Thoroughblades, but quickly showed some promise as he earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Two seasons later, Boyle earned a full-time roster spot on the Panthers roster and scored 22 points in 69 games.

On January 7th, 2002 the Panthers sent Boyle to the Tampa Bay Lightning. In return, the Bolts sent back a 5th round pick in the 2005 NHL Draft. Boyle quickly made an impact on the Tampa Bay blue line during that season scoring 20 points in 41 games. The team later re-signed Boyle to a one-year contract on August 6th.

Over Dan Boyle’s six-year tenure with the Lightning, he became one of the top offensive defenseman in the league. He scored 253 points in 400 games played, and was a keep piece of the 2004 Stanley Cup winning team. Playing top pair minutes and contributing offensively made Boyle one of the most important pieces on that championship roster.

Boyle was later shipped off to the San Jose Sharks along with defenseman Brad Lukowich just a couple of months after the star blue liner signed a 6-year, $40 million dollar extension. In return, the Lightning received Filip Kuba, Shane O’Brien, Matt Carle (yes, that Matt Carle) and Alexandre Picard.

Many fans questioned the move, and years later the results from the trade show a massive win for the Sharks. Boyle continued to put up points in San Jose while the players the Lightning got in return were either moved or did not perform well. Thanks Oren Koules and Len Barrie.

With all that said, sending only a 5th round pick for Boyle was a steal and is good for number five on our list. As for the player the Panthers selected with the pick given to them in the Boyle deal, Martin Tuma spent his entire North American hockey career in the teams farm system before moving back to his native Czech Republic to continue his hockey career. He never made it to the NHL. Give that win to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Next: Number Four: St. Louis and Callahan Swap Teams

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