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.
Bouillon is considered small for an NHL defencemen but is never one to shy away from physical play. According to Pierre Houde, he is one of the strongest players of the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL, according to the team's official physical tests.
interesting if true... he will be 34 in october, i don't know if i would rather just take boucher at 600k as our 7th dman instead though. Still something to talk about during this down time... there are also still a number of FA wings out there that i'm hoping we take a look at and maybe invite to camp if nothing else.
Lets hope the Rags think their D depth is fine. As a 7th D-man, I would think just about any veteran would suffice with what they got by with last year.
Which is the greatest position to be in with the cap uncertainty.
Yep. Ideally the cap goes up this year, we'll just have to wait and see. On the other hand, with players like Guerin signed to low-ball offers, it's going to be difficult to replace his production for what we're paying him even if the cap goes up.
I would like this a lot. For some reason I've wanted him since the middle of the season as a cheap bottom-pairing guy. As a 7th defenseman is just as good.
He'd be a good addition as a 7th guy. He could take over for any of Orpik, Eaton or McKee if they get hurt. He is not at their level, but he is a serviceable player.
The Pens needed a PROPER 7th defenseman, Lovejoy for all the circle-jerkery he gets here, is still not ready and we have all seen that 8th defenseman get ice time as well so Lovejoy will still play.
Bouillon as the 7th would be awesome security, a signing like this is huge for the playoffs or even if a freak injury happens.
I don't think it's fair to say Lovejoy isn't ready. We could sign a veteran like Bouillon every year and bury Lovejoy in the minors etc. At some point Lovejoy has to get his shot and then we'll see if he's ready or not. Right now nobody really knows and that's why signing a veteran as insurance would be smart imo.
Francis Bouillon is tiny by NHL D-Man standards. He's only 5'8.
But Bouillon plays much bigger than his size. Which of course has led to quite a bunch of injury problems for him in the past. I don't think anyone could have a problem with him being signed for McKee-like money, especially if it's a 2-way deal.
Remember, Shero last summer said he wants 10 NHL capable defenders under contract. So far we have the top 6 plus Lovejoy and Guenin. None of the others have any big league experience yet.
I don't think it's fair to say Lovejoy isn't ready. We could sign a veteran like Bouillon every year and bury Lovejoy in the minors etc. At some point Lovejoy has to get his shot and then we'll see if he's ready or not. Right now nobody really knows and that's why signing a veteran as insurance would be smart imo.
Francis Bouillon is tiny by NHL D-Man standards. He's only 5'8.
