Almost a year ago, the Boston Bruins acquired Charlie Coyle from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Ryan Donato and a fifth-round pick. Since then, Coyle has appeared in 78 regular-season games and 24 playoff games for the Bruins.
Although Coyle got off to a slow start in Boston, the Weymouth native has become an essential part of the lineup and a key part of the Bruins’ success.
Following the trade, Coyle struggled at first with his new team. In Coyle’s first 21 games with Boston, he had six points, including two goals. The veteran winger was brought over to improve the third line and looked lost.
In the playoffs, however, Coyle was one of the Bruins’ best forwards as he had nine goals and seven assists. He has been able to carry that success into his first full season in Boston.
Send 'em home happy, Charlie!@CharlieCoyle_3 | #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/V8KdWKD7l0
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 8, 2020
Through 57 games this season, Coyle has 12 goals and 19 assists. The former first-round pick also has four points on the power play, which ties his total from last season. With 31 points this season, Coyle is only three short of tying his total from last season with Boston and Minnesota.
While Coyle has provided a boost to the Bruins third line, he has been productive in any role the Bruins have asked him to play. When the Bruins battled injuries earlier in the season, the veteran winger also saw time on the second line. His ability to handle top-six minutes has increased his value and allowed Bruce Cassidy to be creative with his lineups.
The magic of the Beanpot continues.
Charlie McAvoy —> Charlie Coyle.
*whispers* they both went 2 BU pic.twitter.com/uPRVdPOqEg
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) February 5, 2020
Although Coyle has excelled in Boston, Donato has struggled with his new team. In 71 games for the Wild, Donato has 14 goals and 19 assists. While the former second-round pick was seen by many scouts as a top-six forward, Donato is averaging a career-low ice time of 10:38 this season and has been a healthy scratch multiple times.
Even with Donato’s struggles, he is only 23 years old. The Boston native still has time to develop, and at times has flashed the offensive prowess that made him so highly-touted. The key for him going forward will be consistency as he looks to become a top-six winger in the NHL.
With the trade deadline only days away, the Coyle deal has been a success so far. The Bruins got a productive third winger for years to come as Coyle signed a six-year extension earlier this season.
As the Bruins look to return to the Stanley Cup Finals, Don Sweeney will be looking to replicate his magic and bring in another impactful piece.
