Atlanta Re-Signs Boulton to Two-Year Deal

[BGDDYKWL]

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed unrestricted free agent forward Eric Boulton to a multiple-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Boulton, 31, appeared in a career-high 74 games for the Thrashers last season, tying career-highs with four goals, five assists and nine points. He also led the team with 127 penalty minutes.

The 6-1, 225-pound left wing has spent seven seasons in the NHL, recording 42 points (16 goals, 25 assists) and 774 penalty minutes in 342 career games with Buffalo and Atlanta. Boulton has tallied 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) and 263 penalty minutes in 170 games with Atlanta over the last three seasons (2005-2008).

Prior to making his NHL debut in 2000-01, Boulton recorded 131 points (65 goals, 66 assists) in 319 career minor-league games with Charlotte (ECHL), Binghamton (AHL), Fort Wayne (IHL), Kentucky (AHL), Rochester (AHL) and Columbia (ECHL).

The native of Halifax, Nova Scotia was originally signed as a free agent by Atlanta on Aug. 8, 2005. He was selected by the New York Rangers in the ninth round, 234th overall, of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.

[shedthemitts]

He apparently only had 2-way deals on the table from other teams, so coming back to Atlanta seems like the solid choice. He had a decent year last season, is a very good skater, and is a good locker room guy so it makes sense to re-sign him from Atlanta's standpoint.

[BGDDYKWL]

Glad to see this deal get done. I'm not a fan of his, nor the Thrash, so having him there for two more years is perfect. Plus I don't have to worry about any of the teams I enjoy watching picking him up. In his defense, he is pretty productive for an "enforcer".

[Blouin]

expected Atlanta to do this, but good move. another willing fighter

[BROKEN*ORBITAL]

Boulton's willing, but his size doesn't allow him to be as effective as you'd like. He's a great #2 guy, but only adequate as a #1.

[seward]

Turned down more money from another team to stay in Atl.

[seward]

Hey Shed where do you get that info from?

[Colt Seavers]

Hopefully, Boulton and Thorburn will be ready to do the dirty work again for the Thrashers 4th line. I am surpised by this signing. I was assuming Atlanta would have let him go. At least another enforcer still has a job.

[Lead]

At least this is done. I'm no Boulton fan, but its better than nothing.

[Juha82]

A very good move by Atlanta.

[caps05]

The SE is really looking tough this year, with every team having legit HW on their roster.

[MrFrost]

dude Boulton sucks. Even Downey who plays on the pansy Wings fights more than him. Boulton doesnt strike fear into anyone. Hes been easy to deal with for years.

[Lead]

Originally Posted by MrFrost

dude Boulton sucks. Even Downey who plays on the pansy Wings fights more than him. Boulton doesnt strike fear into anyone. Hes been easy to deal with for years.

Boulton sure isnt a monster fighter, but he actually had a 15 fights last season and his card includes Belak, Orr and Godard. Thats true that he lost almost all fights against them, because he isnt actually a true heavy-weight.

But like I said - its better to have him on team, than nothing.

[Sugden Flu]

Its good to see 'Boults' back where he belongs. This guy is highly underrated by many of my fellow posters, IMO. Boulton may be on the smaller side, for an NHL enforcer, but he packs a punch.

[Snipes19]

Good news.

Boulton may be small, and I know that he isn't the best fighter in the world, but he's still a heavyweight nonetheless so it IS better than nothing. At least the Thrashers still have en enforcer that's willing to drop the gloves with guys like Orr, Godard, Belak, etc, so just be happy with that.

I just hope that every team in the NHL carries an enforcer, and then I'll be happy, and the Thrashers are doing so, so no complaints from me about this signing. At least Boulton can enforce and pick up some FM's - and hopefully Thorburn and Valabik (if he makes the team) will fight too. I know they aren't legit heavies but the Thrash need to fight more.