Islanders Sign Eric Boulton

[fcm]

Originally Posted by IhateLindros

Would have rather had Parros.

Man... I would be so happy just with Boulton... Imagine how happy I would be if I had Carkner AND Boulton coming to my team.. oh gosh.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by IhateLindros

Would have rather had Parros.

Sure. But I'm betting Long Island wasn't #1 on Parros' list. Boulton on the other hand doesn't have many options. He cleared waivers what twice last season? Just getting any offer is probably good in his mind. I'd happily take him on my team.

[IhateLindros]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Sure. But I'm betting Long Island wasn't #1 on Parros' list. Boulton on the other hand doesn't have many options. He cleared waivers what twice last season? Just getting any offer is probably good in his mind. I'd happily take him on my team.

Understood, but why sign him when you have Haley in the organization? I like Boulton, just don't love him. If we had to go this route, Parros would def be #1 on my list.

[Killah_punk]

Isles move back in the top 5 toughest teams, after July 1st. The Sens have gone out of the top 5, they lose Carkner and Konpka, ouch.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by IhateLindros

Understood, but why sign him when you have Haley in the organization? I like Boulton, just don't love him. If we had to go this route, Parros would def be #1 on my list.

I'm not disagreeing. From what I've seen like Haley too. But obviously either Haley or the Islanders didn't see eye to eye. I'm just saying I'd rather see my team replace someone like Haley with toughness. Boulton may not be ideal at this point in his career but he's certainly better than nothing.

[nyislesfan45]

It's not Pandolfo, that's all that matters.

[5 4 Fighting]

Rags= Asham Haley Rupp and Bickel
Isles= Carkner Martin and Boulton

the Battle of New York is back!!

[smashem]

After the gay playoffs this year, maybe teams have been encouraged to sign some tough guys.

[Shawn33]

You could tell Haley was on his way out last year, when instead of having him up (which he should have been all year) they had Pandolfo and Reasoner taking up roster spots. I definitely like Boulton coming in for the fourth line though.

[bruiser11]

Glad it's not over for him.

[nyislesfan45]

Article from the Isles site:

Boulton Adds Toughness to Isles Forwards
Newest Islander has a reputation for defending teammates; will provide a veteran presence in the locker room
Monday, 07.02.2012 / 4:14 PM / News
By Travis Betts
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Eric Boulton (top) has amassed 1265 penalty minutes during his 11-year NHL career (Getty Images)
The New York Islanders continued to add toughness on the second day of the free agent signing period, inking forward Eric Boulton to a one-year deal Monday.

Boulton, a veteran of 600 NHL games over 11 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Atlanta Thrashers and New Jersey Devils, has averaged over two penalty minutes per game during his career, posting seven seasons of 100-plus PIMs. The Islanders sent Boulton the offer at the start of the free agent signing period on July 1, and the Halifax, NS native jumped at the opportunity right away, agreeing to the deal on Sunday and officially signing on Monday.

“I think we have a bright future here with all of the young talent we have,” Boulton said. “Playing against the Islanders last year (with New Jersey), they competed hard and they gave us a hard time. They were very competitive. I know this is a promising young team and it’s on the up and up.”

Never afraid to drop the gloves, Boulton racked up 115 penalty minutes in 51 games with New Jersey last season, but was held off the score sheet all season, and found himself out of the lineup during the Devils run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Although he is relied upon for skills other than scoring, the Halifax, NS native was not happy with his performance, and wants to get back on track.

“I was coming off a rough season in New Jersey,” Boulton said. “The team was successful but personally I had kind of an off year, so my goal is just to re-establish myself and prove that I can play and contribute and bring that physical element to the game.”

A player who has typically played the wing on teams’ third or fourth lines, Boulton measures his success by his defensive play and the overall success of the team.

“I’m not a big goals and stats guy,” Boulton said. “I judge my game on just being good defensively, doing my job and helping my team win. If you win in this league it means everyone’s doing their job.”

On and off the ice, the 35-year-old is looking forward to his role as an elder statesman on a young Islanders roster.

“I think on a young team it’s definitely important having the veteran leadership that I hope to bring,” Boulton said. “It’s important to take care of the young guys on and off the ice and make sure they can play their game, and just be out there to protect them and bring that physical element to the team.”

Boulton is also eager to experience the other side of the Islanders-Devils rivalry, having already enjoyed the intense atmosphere unique to games in the New York area.

“I got the taste of the rivalry,” Boulton said. “The Islanders, Rangers, Devils – it’s a lot of fun. It’s nice to play against your old team; you get a little extra bit of motivation. They’re always heated games with those three teams so I’m looking forward to it.”

Contract is 1 year, 550K.


The bolded is probably why he was signed. The "veteran leadership" thing is why Reasoner, Pandolfo and Rolston were here. At least Boulton will contribute something and there's definitely an opening on the fourth line so I hope this works out for him.

[Stevens Lindros]

Unless I missed it no-one has yet added this:

1-way deal!

Also for the record nyislesfan45 it's technically 540k [not a big deal at all but I'm a numbers guy]. It's a paycut from the 750k he would have made with the Devils for the season next year but that's understandable due to age and a disappointing season. Great to see him for another season!

[demodogpack]

Originally Posted by Stevens Lindros

Unless I missed it no-one has yet added this:

1-way deal!

Also for the record nyislesfan45 it's technically 540k [not a big deal at all but I'm a numbers guy]. It's a paycut from the 750k he would have made with the Devils for the season next year but that's understandable due to age and a disappointing season. Great to see him for another season!

You have to understand though the Devils bought him out so he's making half of the 2/3rds of the buy out this season and the other half next season. He's technically making the same or more.

[Stevens Lindros]

Originally Posted by demodogpack

You have to understand though the Devils bought him out so he's making half of the 2/3rds of the buy out this season and the other half next season. He's technically making the same or more.

Indeed, in salary he makes 250k each of the next two years from the Devils on top of the Islanders deal due to the buyout, although the Devils cap hit for next year is less than 250k, they still have to pay him that.

As for salary from a team, 540k on a 1-way deal seems just right at this stage of his career [he'll be 36 next season]. It's amazing how long he [and Shelley for that matter] have lasted in the NHL, although this may unfortunately be their final year.

[Machinehead2k5]

Trivia for the day: Who was the last Thrasher to get a hat trick??

Eric Boulton.

Eric Boulton hat trick 12/18/10 - YouTube