Edited Feb. 21, 2019 at 3:08 p.m.
Quoting: Missouri
Huge win for Boston!!
Quoting: Trickster
Boston overpaid.
There are some strong opinions either way expressed in this thread.
Those favouring Boston recognize Coyle is a versatile 40+ pt winger (who can play up the middle if needed) signed for not just this year but next at a reasonable cap hit.
Those favouring Minnesota see Donato’s long term potential where he could at least match, and likely exceed, Coyle’s production. They also note Donato is under team control for 3 more years than Coyle, important in the Cap era.
Your perspective on the trade is contingent on 2 things:
1) Likelihood of Donato reaching his ceiling and exceeding Coyle’s production (and how long it will take to get there)
2) Likelihood of Bruins getting to Eastern Conference Finals this season or next, with powerhouses Toronto and Tampa Bay to go through.
If the Bruins reach the Conference Finals with Coyle in either year, this trade is a Boston Win. If Donato becomes a legit 60-70 point winger, well, then it’s a big Minnesota win. If neither or both happen? Well, it’s a pretty even split. The 5th was likely just the lube to get Minnesota to sign off on the deal, realistically speaking.
Couple interesting tidbits.
Coyle lived in Boston and attended Boston Univ before leaving in his sophomore year to play Junior hockey in the CHL.
Perhaps Minnesota is trying to rekindle the chemistry that Donato shared with Jordan Greenway - they both played together for Team USA on the 2018 Olympic squad a year ago.