Philippe Boucher is back skating

by Hooks Orpik on Mar 9, 2009 10:45 AM EDT in News

Short little post here, but I figured you'd be interested in knowing that Philippe Boucher did come out on the ice for 5-10 minutes at the end of Penguins practice on Saturday.

He was wearing a track suit and didn't push himself at all, but for a guy who had foot surgery just getting skates on and getting out there is an important first step.

Boucher is currently on the long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and his salary isn't counting against the Penguins cap. After the shuffling of acquiring Bill Guerin and Craig Adams plus pushing Miroslav Satan out I'm not current on exactly how much room the Penguins have under the cap. They might not even have the room to bring Boucher's prorated $2.5 million cap hit back again this season without dropping a salary.

It's also important to note that teams don't have to be confined to the salary cap after the regular season ends, so there'd be no penalty or reason Boucher couldn't be added to the lineup if the Pens qualify for the second season...

Whether or not #43 belongs out there is another matter. Obviously Sergei Gonchar, Brooks Orpik and Rob Scuderi are staying in the lineup. Mark Eaton has been playing well of late, as has Hal Gill. Kris Letang, while prone to some errors, has 2 goals and 2 assists in the last four games and is generally moving the puck well. Boucher may well be a victim of the team's depth and health on the blueline.

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Depth, health and age will all play against Boucher’s return. If I remember correctly Eaton was eligible to return last year during the playoffs but the Pens kept him off the ice because, well, the playoffs aren’t exactly the time to return from a season-ending injury.

I have a feeling we won’t see Boucher again this season (or even next for that matter). Zigomanis is hopefully another story, as I’d love to see him back in the faceoff circle for the 09/10 season.

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by FrankD on Mar 9, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

phillipe boucher's return

In Shero’s trade deadline press conference, he made mention to Boucher’s circumstance and indicated that under the current roster arrangement that there was room to reactivate Boucher if he is to comeback.

by muskid on Mar 9, 2009 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks for the info, muskid. Certainly can’t hurt to have the depth of an extra right handed shot in Boucher, glad to hear the Pens can fit him in if they need him.
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I think Boucher’s in a different boat than Eaton was last year, Frank…Eaton blew out a knee in December and missed the rest of the season…Boucher last until February for his foot surgery and if he’s skating now he could be in line to return (if needed) at some point in the regular season. Big difference from Eaton potentially jumping into a late round playoff series cold.

by Hooks Orpik on Mar 9, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions

If there is not room for Gogo there can’t be room for Boucher!

Life is about one simple choice, get busy living or get busy dying

by Dr Tre on Mar 9, 2009 1:10 PM EDT reply actions

i totally agree Dr Tre. i think the penguins have to find room for goligoski, he has 20 points and is plus 5 for the season AS A ROOKIE!

by PensRock1 on Mar 9, 2009 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

While I do agree that Goligoski is having a great rookie year, I think the Pens will definitely find a more full-time gig for him within the next year or two. Lots of space opening up on the blue line this offseason with expiring contracts. As of right now, if Pitt heads into a playoff run then I’d rather see a more experienced Boucher back there. It’s all situational though and I wouldn’t exactly be discouraged if GoGo got the nod over him.

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by FrankD on Mar 9, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions