He’s a career 3C turning 33 in a couple months taking up $5.25M in cap. They would have to give up value to move the contract for what he delivers today. Better off letting him stay and ride out the last 1.5 years. Not like he is blocking some emerging prospect ready for the NHL.
Player Discussion Charlie Coyle #1 center predictions
- Thread starter PlayMakers
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I think it’s worth a shot to give it a little longer. The sample size is too small to call it a fail, and the last time he played wing consistently was in MN many years ago. I don’t know what his return would be in a trade and I am not opposed to moving him if it brings back some thing the team needs but I don’t see the rush to do it.
Dennis Bonvie
Registered User
That's how it goes here.
Coyle wasn't good in the last two games. So that line hasn't really been good. Break 'em up.
Over the volcano
Registered User
I hear you. Just curious about the particulars on his no movement/trade protection Got to think they gave him his contract thinking he'd step up into a top 6 center role when Bergeron and Krejci retired but that doesn't seem to be a role he can fill and it's a role they need filled by someone...
Dennis Bonvie
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LouJersey
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Dennis Bonvie
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Coyle did play more minutes than any other forward but Pasta in the playoffs.
But, I know, bad coaching staff.
Over the volcano
Registered User
Yes he did, in the regular season, credit where it’s due. But then in the playoffs he had just 5 points in 13 games (1 goal) and while he wasn’t hopeless, he didn’t have much impact either. And that’s part of a trend. Since his undoubtedly excellent performance in the 2019 run, he has 21 points in 51 playoff games and is going at an awful -20. I know how much that stat can be influenced by other factors, many beyond any one player’s control, but when it’s that bad it surely means at least something. There have been exceptions (game 3 & 4 against the Panthers in 2023 spring to mind) but overall his playoff performance has been sub-par.
My criticism of Coyle, or, more specifically, of the use of Coyle, has always been the same. Excellent 3C who’s paid 2nd line money but is not capable of performing at that level on a serious contender. He can play well in the top 6 in patches, but not consistently and usually not when it really counts. Essentially he’s taking up around $2 mil too much in cap hit (not his fault) that could have been better spent elsewhere. If he were playing for the Sharks then his contract and relative performance would be just fine. But on a supposed contender like the Bruins he’s been below the expectations that are set by his contract. That doesn’t make him a bad player – far from it – just not great value and a problem when he’s asked too often to perform in roles beyond his ability.
I don’t have Charlie high on the list of the Bruins’ roster problems. Yes he’s paid too much, but it’s not massive. As has been said, he’s versatile, he doesn’t complain, he digs in, and if he were played most of the time in his proper 3C role, he’d be more than fine. The challenge for Sweeney is more to work out an effective top 6 that doesn’t have him in it, so Coyle can stick to what he does best and our top 6 can be filled with actual top 6 talent.
EverettMike
FIRE DON SWEENEY INTO THE SUN
In fairness outside of one post-season he can barely fill a third line center role in the playoffs.
In fairness, how many guys on this roster HAVE played to expectations in the post season over the past 3 years?
Coyle has averaged 41 points per 82 games in his NHL career (105 hits, 42 takeaways)
He averages 36 points per 82 games in the playoffs. (216 hits, 43 takeaways)
In 75 playoff games with Boston, he has 17 goals, 36 points (210 hits, 43 takeaways).
He averages 36 points per 82 games in the playoffs. (216 hits, 43 takeaways)
In 75 playoff games with Boston, he has 17 goals, 36 points (210 hits, 43 takeaways).
For all intents and purposes Coyle was the #2C in '22 (#46 in CR), '23 (Bergeron missed first 4) and '24. So there has been more usage of Coyle at 2C in SCPO then people realize.
Coyle's problem is from QF on he is absolutely out matched as a #2C.
DeBrusk certainly did. Outscored #88 last 2 seasons.
Over the volcano
Registered User
Amazing almost half of all that production came in his first post season here after getting traded at the deadline.
If my math is right..
24 games 9g 7a that year
51 games 9g 12a combined over 5 years since then.
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EverettMike
FIRE DON SWEENEY INTO THE SUN
Before this season I did an extensive breakdown on his post-season play and the 2018 run is a total anomaly. He's a black hole of offense in the playoffs.
Blowfish
Count down ...
The entire team has been a mega hole for offense in playoffs. He’s been one of the better players in playoffs. Eye test for me.
Over the volcano
Registered User
Over their last three playoffs he's 11th in PPG.
He's a really good defensive center. Is that worth the contract and lack of much else? Maybe but I'd be interested in options that bring at least something more.
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Good eyes, maybe others should take a trip to your Eye Doctor.
And yet he had 6 points in 7 games in 2022. Anomaly of two I guess.
Over their last three playoffs, he's 5th in actual points.
Behind Marchand, DeBrusk, Pasta and McAvoy.
Over the volcano
Registered User
How many players were in all three of those runs though?
I count only 8, 9 if you include Swayman from the 2022 playoff team and that's including Swayman
Pastrnak
Marchand
McAvoy
Coyle
Carlo
DeBrusk
Frederic
Lindholm
Total pts the last two years have him 11th between Orlov and Geekie
Don't want to look at pts/60 or it'll ruin "eye tests"
He's a real strong defensive center, no one's denying that.
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But points per 60 means you count guys with 4 games played. That doesn't make sense either. Where does his points per game rank over the last 3 years, if the games played is set to 21? The sample size you chose (3 years) only makes sense if you look at guys who played all 3 years.
In terms of actual points, he has 13 points in his last 27 playoff games (the last 3 years), that again, is 39 points per 82, which is his career average both in the regular season and in the playoffs.
The point I'm trying to make is that folks expect too much and then act like he's a disappointment. His production in the playoffs is the exact same as his regular season average. There isn't this big drop off from regular season Coyle to playoff Coyle. The production is the same, the only difference is that he's much more physical.
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Over the volcano
Registered User
If you set the games played to 21+ he's 5th out of 8 leading only Carlo, Frederic and Lindholm.
Agree he is what he is regular season to playoffs. I was pushing back against the "whole team disappears offensively" argument to prop up his lack of production. We've had plenty of guys who've produced more with their opportunities come playoff time.
He's got one year left on his deal - does that make him more or less desirable on the market?
I'd say it makes him more desirable. I think he's considered a good player around the league. He's on pace for 20 goals. He leads all centers in takeaways so you know he's working hard. A good defensive player, a good teammate and respected locker room guy. He averages around 200 hits per 82 in the playoffs... I think he would be a sought after player at the deadline, should the Bruins decide to sell.
EverettMike
FIRE DON SWEENEY INTO THE SUN
You're right he's a playoff stud and 2022 proves it. Just don't look at the two years before. Or the two after.
