Flyers Claim Nick Boynton Off Waivers from Blackhawks

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have claimed defenseman Nick Boynton off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks. The 32-year-old blueliner will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 41 games this season with Chicago, he has one goal and seven assists for eight points and 36 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth move for the Flyers, as Boynton will bring plenty of grit, toughness, and defensive depth to their blueline. He will replace Oskars Bartulis, who is out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, as the team's seventh defenseman.

Blackhawks Re-Sign Hendry, Boynton; Add Pisani

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have re-signed defensemen Jordan Hendry and Nick Boynton to one-year contracts. The financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. The team also announced that they have signed free agent right wing Fernando Pisani to a one-year contract worth $750,000. Hendry and Boynton aren't bad depth signings for the Blackhawks. Hendry plays with a little toughness and is a capable defensive defenseman, while Boynton also plays with lots of grit and toughness and has good size. Boynton will likely be a sixth defenseman for the team next season, while Hendry may have to compete for a roster spot at training camp, but still could end up being the seventh defenseman. Pisani is an okay signing for the Blackhawks, as he will bring plenty of veteran depth to the forward lines, as well as some two-way play. However, he is not a very consistent scorer and is prone to injury. Right now he is currently suffering back spasms, which could keep him out of the lineup when the regular season starts, depending on how severe they are.

Blackhawks Acquire Defenseman Boynton from Ducks

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have acquired defenseman Nick Boynton from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for future considerations. Boynton was immediately sent to the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate in Rockford after the trade. In 42 games this season with the Ducks, he has one goal and six assists for seven points and 59 penalty minutes. In 547 career NHL games with the Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, and Anaheim Ducks, he has 33 goals and 102 assists for 135 points and 810 penalty minutes. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Not a bad move for the Blackhawks, as Boynton will bring them plenty of veteran defensive depth and toughness. Plus, with Brent Sopel currently sidelined with an injury, the team was likely looking to add some depth on defense. However, with Boynton being sent to the minors, the Blackhawks likely feel they have sufficient depth on defense for now and could recall him closer to the playoffs.

Ducks Sign Defenseman Boynton to One-Year Deal

The Anaheim Ducks added some defensive depth to their blueline last week by signing defenseman Nick Boynton to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. In 68 games last season with the Florida Panthers, Boynton scored five goals and 16 assists for 21 points and 91 penalty minutes. In 505 career games with the Panthers, Boston Bruins, and Phoenix Coyotes, he has 32 goals and 96 assists for 128 points and 751 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Ducks, who were in need of some toughness on defense after the departures of Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchemin. While Boynton brings the Ducks plenty of defensive depth and physical play, his skill alone is not enough to replace the skills of Pronger and Beauchemin. Look for the Ducks to possibly pursue another affordable veteran defenseman to help further solidify their blueline.