Tampa Bay Lightning: 50 Greatest Moments In Franchise History
By Kyle Barber
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
39. Tampa Bay Lightning Trade For Dan Boyle
Date: January 7, 2002
Dan Boyle became a key piece of many Lightning team’s during his tenure, and stealing him away from a rival made it even better.
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.
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.
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