Sabres hope Boyes can provide some offensive punch

Though he can play center, Boyes is initially expected to play right wing on a line centered by Tim Connolly.

“We’re getting a good player,” coach Lindy Ruff said. “He’s responsible at both ends of the ice. He’s dangerous offensively and a very reliable on the other side of it. He just adds to our offensive depth.”

Selected in the first round of the 2000 draft by Toronto, Boyes is a six-year NHL veteran, who has spent the past four seasons in St. Louis.

He enjoyed his best stretch during a two-year span from 2007-09 with the Blues, when he combined for 77 goals and 137 points in 164 games. Boyes‘ production has fallen off over the past two seasons, during which he has 16 goals and 83 points in 144 games.

The Sabres are counting on a change of scenery to boost Boyes, who also finds himself closer to home have grown up in nearby Mississauga, Ontario.

Boyes chalked up his lack of production this season to a series of injuries that have hit the Blues, as well as the team’s defensive style of play.

“I would have loved to score more. If I did, maybe I’d still be in St. Louis,” Boyes said. “But I love where I’m going. I’m looking forward to it.”

The Blues are in rebuilding mode, sitting in 13th in the West. This marks their third significant trade over the past two weeks, after dealing captain Eric Brewer to Tampa Bay and sending former No. 1 pick, defenseman Erik Johnson, to Colorado.

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said Boyes became expendable on a team that’s suddenly stocked at right wing.

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AP sports writer R.B. Fallstrom contributed to this report in St. Louis.

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