Coyle Proving to Be Sweeney’s Best Acquisition as Bruins GM
Don Sweeney has been the general manager of the Boston Bruins for about a decade now. While there have been plenty of highs and lows, he has undoubtedly assembled two strong rosters in the last two seasons. The squad presently leads the Atlantic Division with 71 points, five ahead of the second-place Florida Panthers.
Sweeney’s deals have been the most successful aspect of his career as GM. Although his latest free agency signings (James van Riemsdyk and Morgan Geekie) have been excellent, he has always struggled with draft classes. However, he has undoubtedly one of the best trading records.
There has been much conversation and debate over the years about what his best trade has been. Is it his trade deadline acquisition of Hampus Lindholm from the Anaheim Ducks? Is it the one-for-one trade of Erik Haula for Pavel Zacha? Or what about his trade for Taylor Hall without having to give up a first-round draft pick?
The most recent performance of a player is always going to affect the rankings, and obviously, Charlie Coyle has excelled in 2023-24. When taking in his entire tenure in Boston along with the phenomenal season so far, I think it is safe to say that Coyle remains the best trade acquisition of Sweeney’s career.
The Coyle Trade
The San Jose Sharks selected Coyle in the first round of the 2010 Entry Level Draft, with pick number 28. He never played with the Sharks, but was traded to the Minnesota Wild the following year in exchange for Brent Burns. He spent seven seasons in Minnesota, scoring over 20 goals in one season (2015-16) and 50 or more points once (2017-18).
His time in Minnesota was solid, but not particularly memorable. Given the Bruins’ lack of depth in the middle, it made sense to acquire a center at the 2019 Trade Deadline. The fact that Coyle is a local product (coming from Weymouth) and had also played at the NCAA level for Boston University made him even more
Sweeney put together the trade deadline acquisition, sending Ryan Donato and a 2019 fifth-round pick to the Wild in exchange for Coyle. While he took a bit to get going once he arrived in Boston and only had six points in his 21 regular season games, he turned it on in the playoffs, contributing 16 points, including nine goals, in 24 games as the Bruins competed for a Stanley Cup.
Coyle’s Career in Boston
It has not always been easy for Coyle during his time in Boston. While he’s been fairly consistent, scoring between 35 and 45 points a season (save for the COVID-19-shortened 2020-21 season), there has always been a bit of a sense that he could do more.
When David Krejci returned to play in Europe for the 2021-22 season, it was expected that Coyle would move up to the second-line center spot. While he was good that season, registering 16 goals and 44 points in 82 games, he ended up sticking on the third line, which is where he stayed in 2022-23 as well when Krejci returned.
So while Coyle has been solid and consistent throughout his time in Boston, it is in 2023-24 that he has really stepped up and cemented himself as Sweeney’s best trade acquisition. With Krejci and Patrice Bergeron retiring this past offseason, there was a huge hole at center on the roster. As mentioned, Coyle had previously struggled to step up in the absence of one of the Bruins’ stalwart centers, so there was some reasonable doubt that he and Zacha were ready to be the top two centers.
But, in his 12th season at age 31 (he’ll be 32 in March), Coyle is playing the finest hockey of his life and has proven that he belongs at the top of the depth chart. In 49 games, he has 18 goals and 42 points, putting him on track to finish with 70 points, considerably exceeding his previous season high of 56 points. He has been dependable and consistent on the ice, and his importance to the Bruins’ success this season cannot be overstated. He presently ranks third on the Bruins’ scoring list, trailing only Brad Marchand by five points. He is on his way to exceeding his previous career high in goals.
It isn’t just the points either. He’s stepped up on the penalty kill, playing a major factor in why the Bruins have one of the best penalty-killing units in the NHL. He’s been unbelievably consistent, currently riding an eight-game point streak going into the All-Star break.
The Argument for Best Trade
As previously said, Sweeney has made a number of good trades, so why should Coyle be regarded his best? Look at what the Bruins gave up and what they received. Donato, a good player, had been failing to establish consistency in the lineup, and a change of scenery appeared to be the best option for him, so they didn’t have to give up much to acquire him.
For the most part, all of his seasons in Boston have matched what he did in Minnesota. He’s been a consistent contributor, even in seasons like 2021-22 when there were hopes he could take a bigger step forward. Now, when it was really needed the most, Coyle has stepped his game up to the next level.
Other players Sweeney has traded for have performed well, but Coyle has been the most consistent. His performance this season, when the club needed it the most, is what propels him to the top of my list, and I believe he is the best Sweeney trade acquisition. In addition, he has certainly had a great impact on the locker room and the community. Even without a letter, he appears to be a true leader on and off the ice.
This season, Coyle has been a revelation, which is surprising considering he is in his later years. He is in the fourth year of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5.25 million. He’s more than earned that this season, and there are 33 games left to go. It’ll be exciting to see where he does finish the 2023-24 season and whether or not he’ll be able to hit that 70-point mark.
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