Short-term fit? Dan Boyle feels “Pittsburgh would be a great option”, an NHL source says

NHL SOURCE: BOYLE CAMP MONITORING NISKANEN SITUATION IN PITTSBURGH

Dan Boyle and his agent George Bazos have a small list of teams Boyle is interested in joining and the Pittsburgh Penguins are one of them, Inside Pittsburgh Sports has learned.

Boyle, 37, had his rights traded to the New York Islanders this month but Boyle does not plan to sign with the Islanders.

Boyle has not ruled out Western Conference teams but would like to return to the Eastern Conference and join a contender.

Pittsburgh is a team that Boyle see’s as a potential fit and an attractive option. The Boyle camp is notably monitoring the Matt Niskanen situation.

“Pittsburgh would be a great option, especially if Niskanen goes elsewhere,” an NHL source close to Boyle said Friday morning.

For the Penguins, would you take 1-2 years for Boyle instead of having to commit 6-8 years to Matt Niskanen?.

Boyle, 37, turns 38 in July. He had 12 goals and 36 points last season. He is looking for around $5 million per season and would like a two year deal.

On a one year deal, Boyle would be very intriguing for the Penguins. He would replace some of the offensive production from Niskanen, could be a good mentor to Kris Letang and hold down a roster spot for another year until Derrick Pouliot is ready.

Because Boyle is a 35+ player, Pittsburgh could get creative with a bonus type contract like Boston did with Jarome Iginla where most of the money wouldn’t count until the 2015-2016 season when the cap will be rising.