Quick! Boyle and Blake or Campbell and Carle

Which side got the better of the deal when you think about it that way?

San Jose Sharks

The titans of teal took steps to shore up their back line this offseason. Defensive point production was a trouble spot for San Jose for most of last season until the trade deadline acquisition of Brian Campbell. Campbell's presence seemed to reinvigorate Thornton, who scored 12 of his 29 goals in the 20 games after Campbell's arrival.

When it became clear that Campbell would be leaving, San Jose did what it had to do to replace that production. Dan Boyle is a good fantasy option anywhere, but becomes a great one here in San Jose. He does a bit of everything fantasy wise and is a powerplay magician. In San Jose he should add another trick, being a + for the first time since 2003/2004. Low 60's in point production with over 30 points on the powerplay is not at all out of the question for Boyle on this squad. He is fully recovered from the horrific accident that cost him half of last year. So long the equipment guys put safety guards on all the sharp objects in the dressing room I would say Boyle is one of your best options on D not named Lidstrom this year.

Rob Blake is another issue. Blake has continued to put up some pretty good numbers for an old guy. Like Boyle his large - should be erased by his arrival on a much more defensively oriented team. San Jose didn't acquire Blake for his defense, they brought him in for his still booming slapshot. Another 30 + point campaign, 20 or so of those coming on the powerplay, seems likely from the once and future King (they'll retire that jersey... come on... you know it). When you factor in his 90 or so PIM and the potential for 180 or more shots and you've got a recipe for relevance. Injury is my only concern here.

Despite his step back last season, I have faith the Carle will eventually make something of himself, maybe as early as this season (see http://breakingthetrap.blogspot.com/2008/07/mullet-over.html). San Jose wants to win right now and will be aggressive to make sure this happens.