Thrashers Re-Sign Eric Boulton

[Thrillhouse]

Atlanta, GA - The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed forward Eric Boulton, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Boulton, 30, appeared in 45 games for the Thrashers last season, recording seven points (three goals, four assists), 49 penalty minutes and a plus-two rating. He also appeared in four post-season games with Atlanta.

The 6-1, 220-pound left wing has spent six seasons in the NHL, recording 33 points (12 goals, 21 assists) in 268 career games with Buffalo and Atlanta. He recorded a career-high nine points (four goals, five assists) in 51 contests during the 2005-06 campaign, his first with the Thrashers.

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

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).

[Mr.Hockeyy]

this guy is more entertaining at the minor league level

[Snipes19]

Alright, not a bad move by Atlanta.

Boulton is still a heavyweight IMO, and he may not be the best, but it's better than nothing. At least he's willing to fight. Plus, the Thrashers are looking pretty weak this offseason - and this signing helps a little.

[jkidd]

Yay... now we get to see him leashed up for the half of the year he actually plays, and sitting in a press box the other half.

[Sourdoughkeeper]

Hell it means that Desbiens, if he makes it, which he probly wont now, an Thorburn wont have to carry it all, an from whats been said here, with which I agree, thats a good thing.

Boultons actually not a bad fighter, just undersized and perhaps he could do with longer arms. While I dont think he has great power in his punch, and he could do with a little work on his strength an chin, hes solid, especially for Atlanta. Kinda reminds me of a bulldog when he fights. Smaller, maybe, but good luck takin the fight out of him. Id class Boulton as a lightheavy, perhaps a little Cote, only less liked? He certainly would do better if he werent the top man on the team, but if him an Thorburn play routinely, that aint too shabby, specially since Atlanta has never really been a tough team.

With Thorburn, Desbiens (BIG maybe), an Boulton potentially in the future, Id say that the Thrashers, while they wont intimidate anybody, should be able to respond to liberties. That of course, is a big IF about all three of em, specially all three of em on the same night.

But Im glad DW did it, cause I was sorta startin to get used to see Boulton fight once ever twenty games, an even though as has been mentioned, he aint the best, he is bettern nothin. I still wish Atlanta would sign a REAL top tier HW though. But for now, and likely forever, thisll have to do.

[steg1989]

Well, Atlanta just isn't the right place for him. He barely gets any playing time at all. At least he has a good view from the press box...

[Podollan]

Surprisingly for me , but well, not a bad signing, Trashers need some toughness.

[Colt Seavers]

I'm surprised by this move. I thought Atlanta would have moved on, and try for a skilled player with offensive capability!

Good for Boulton-a team has him on the roster!


Bad for Boulton-I predict the same amount of fight activity as last season!

Good for Boulton-he can now purchase all new wardrobe from the Mens Warehouse -he'll be ready when he frequents the pressbox!

Bad for Boulton-maybe a fresh start somewhere else would have had him actually fighting and playing a little bit more!

What do I know-I don't watch Atlanta games! Either way, If I were an Atlanta fan, I would be split on this one!

[Fighting Wombats]

Atlanta has a WEAK ASS roster right now.....Bring back Hordi and Lessard. As a fight fan, I am not looking forward to another lackluster fightless year!!!!

We also have a WEAK ASS roster all around....this should be a long year in which I predict we finish 3rd/4th in the SE.

[Captain Crunch28]

Seeing that they re-signed them, that must mean he will play atleast a little bit.. I just hope they dont have him on a leash.

[blackngold]

hopefully he rebounds from last season

[BGDDYKWL]

Don't get me wrong, the more fighters in the league the better, but I'm really surrpised this guy can still land a job. He's only a marginally better player than your run of the mill enforcer, and for whatever reason he has become a punching bag in recent years. And perhaps everyone doesn't share this view, but whenever he drops the gloves with a legit heavy I automatically expect him to lose badly.

[DaveBrown69]

I'd lik to see him play a lot more than he did last year.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

Eh...likes to fight but not very good at it.

[Sourdoughkeeper]

Originally Posted by steg1989

Well, Atlanta just isn't the right place for him. He barely gets any playing time at all. At least he has a good view from the press box...

Agreed. If the coach liked fightin, this would be great. For selfish reasons, Im glad hes back, but for him, he'd do better under Godard or Boogaard, or some other legit top heavy an with a coach that would USE him, imo.