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Report: Rangers' Brian Boyle to seek 'bigger role' in free agency

Gary A. Vasquez / USA TODAY Sports

Unrestricted free agent forward Brian Boyle is reportedly set on leaving the New York Rangers after a discussion with head coach Alain Vigneault left the forward unhappy about his place within the organization. 

After being told that he could return as a penalty-killing fourth-line player, Boyle said that he will explore free agency in search of an expanded role, per Tom Gulitti of NorthJersey.com. 

The Rangers depend on their fourth unit more than most, but Boyle clearly believes that he can offer more to a potential employer. 

When asked about the forward, Vigneault's comments indicate that Boyle's assertion was previously broached. 

His role on our team is a very important role. It’s first (unit) penalty killing. It’s when we've got a lead, we’re sending him out. He had a huge contribution to our team. I would say in my dealings with Brian he would probably like to have a different role, but his role on our team is a very important role. If he’s satisfied with having that role, I would definitely want him back.

At the end of the day, players have to decide if they’re satisfied with what they’re being given, but his 12 to 14 minutes a game that he’s getting, they’re huge minutes. Some players don’t see it, but they’re huge minutes to teams having success and I'm hoping that he sees that.

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