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Boyd's services have been signed for another year by the Habs for the 2010-11 season. His role for this year is still undecided but he will either be centering the third or fourth line. The NHL is still waiting for Boyd to show results similar to his minor league career in the WHL and AHL, where he amassed 211 points in three seasons from 2004-07 between the WHL Moose Jaw Warriors and the AHL Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights. Last year between the Flames and the Canadiens he totaled a career-high 22 points. If Boyd is to center the third and fourth line this season for the Habs expect similar point totals in the low 20's to low-to-mid 30's.
Boyd managed to play in 71 games with the Flames last year, which was easily the most of his young career. His 22 points (11 G, 11 A) were also a career high. Scoring in the minors has not been a problem but Boyd hasn't had an easy time translating that success to the NHL. You could consider last season a baby step and there is certainly a decent chance he takes a more significant one this year. Keep him on your radar as a deep sleeper on this talented Calgary team.
Boyd is a risky proposition, as he has not shown much offensive flash in the NHL thus far in his career. But much like Bourque, Boyd should get a shot at a top-six forward spot, and will shift from center to wing because of the Flames' depth at the position. Boyd tore up the WHL and AHL, and being on one of the top two lines may be just what he needs to get his spark. Save him for the end of the draft or the waiver wire, but he could certainly break out this season.
Boyd had a solid first professional season with 27 goals and 60 points in 66 games for Omaha of the AHL. He also had four points in 13 games with the Flames. Boyd has a tremendous amount of talent and is by far the top offensive prospect in the Calgary system. If Calgary decided to put him on one of its top two lines next season, he probably would have fantasy value right away. The more likely scenario is that, should Boyd make the team, he will see limited minutes. He has serious upside, it just may take some time for him to start putting up the points.
Boyd is one of the best prospects the Flames have, but isn't quite ready for the NHL yet and will hone his skills in Omaha this season.