Pens looking to add Francis Bouillon?

by Hooks Orpik on Aug 18, 2009 9:34 AM EDT in News

Apologies for this being out there for a few days, but there are reports that the Penguins have offered former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Francis Bouillon a two-way contract. As Spector puts it:

LA PRESSE: Richard Labbe reports former Habs blueliner Francis Bouillon is expected to know the identity of his new team soon. The NY Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins are believed interested in Bouillon. He could have a new contract by the end of this week.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: It was erroneously reported earlier this week he'd signed with the Rangers. The Blackhawks and Penguins are in the market for affordable blueline depth so they'd be good alternatives for Bouillon if the Rangers deal doesn't go through.

If you think about it, the Penguins lost 3 NHL caliber defensemen (Hal Gill, Rob Scuderi and Philippe Boucher) and have only brought one (Jay McKee) in. They hope youngsters like Alex Goligoski and Ben Lovejoy can grow into NHL roles, but depth is always crucial. Harken back to last year when Sergei Gonchar didn't make it out of the pre-season and guys like McKee and Mark Eaton have acquired labels of not being ironmen and getting some injuries. There's always room for more defensemen when there's room under the cap.

Rumors have gotten out that Boucher has been talking to the Pens about being a mentor/player role, so he also could be a candidate to re-join Pittsburgh in 2009-10. Either way, I'd expect the Penguins to add one more defenseman before camp.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

“Defense wins Championships”. LOL. I did not like losing Scuderi but he has to do what is best for him

by CGNC on Aug 18, 2009 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

crickets chirping……

by CGNC on Aug 18, 2009 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

Do we know for sure that Boucher is gone? I heard he was just contemplating retirement or a better offer, and was still in pondering mode.

"Oh, buy Sam a drink and get his dog one too!" - Mike Lange

by gorgalor on Aug 18, 2009 2:18 PM EDT reply actions

I think around the time Boucher had the Cup he was talking about his future options which he hinted a return to Pittsburgh was possible but he was looking at all options that might offer a bigger part of playing time.

But given just how many veterans are unsigned and seemingly not receiving offers from any NHL teams, Boucher ought to come back to the Pens quickly if they have something on the table for him.

Pensburgh.com -- it's like the Max Talbot of blogs*

*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night

by Hooks Orpik on Aug 18, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Does that suggest that there's nothing on the table?

What’s the more likely scenario, that Boucher is on the fence and taking his time to decide whether to play again, or that as of now, the Pens don’t have an offer out to him? I’m not choosing one or the other, just thinking out loud that no opportunity may exist there.

Official BYB Juju Consultant...now accepting rally creature applications!

by ahtrap on Aug 18, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions