Nick Boynton on Re-entry Waivers

by Scott Reynolds on Feb 5, 2010 3:08 PM MST

This, as far as I'm concerned, is a test for the managers of the Edmonton Oilers. According to TSN, Nick Boynton has been put on re-entry waivers and is now available for a cap hit of 0.75M. His contract expires at the end of this season so there shouldn't be any issues in terms of his contract status. With Sheldon Souray out of the lineup until he's traded the Oilers have an open roster spot for a defender. The two rookies have looked good - Alex Plante especially - but if this team is trying to stem the bleeding, there's no reason not to pick up Boynton who has played reasonably well as a bottom pairing defender in Anaheim. He's had a pretty even split of offensive and defensive zone faceoffs and has managed the third best Corsi among Ducks' defenders. He's a right-handed shot and can plays a physical game. In my opinion, he's quite a bit better than Jason Strudwick and could be in the Oilers line-up on an everyday basis considering the injury to Souray.

On the downside, I remember him once headbutting Zack Stortini in the nose in a game at Rexall Place. That could be a bit awkward. Also, it would make the team better. And I guess management is hoping to lose as many games as we can between now and the end of the season. At least, that's the most plausible conclusion if Steve Tambellini decides Boynton isn't worth claiming.

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One thing we do know is Oilers have first dibs on any of these guys on waivers. So if we don’t pick him up it’s because we didn’t want him.

As I see it Boynton would be the #4 D of the currently healthy Oiler blueliners (pending Smid’s return). That’s not because Boynton is any great shakes — he’s not — but he is an actual NHL defenceman.

I remember the head butt on Stortini, that was about the only time I ever remember Zack losing his cool and going after a guy. Ref missed the original instigation of course, and Storts took 2, 2, and 10 for nailing Boynton. It was in the last minute of a 5-2 (or thereabouts) win, so he had my blessing. There are rare occasions when selfish penalties are OK, and that was one of them.

I would imagine bygones would be bygones about 45 seconds after Boynton walked into the room. Zorg doesn’t strike me as the type who would hold an old grudge against a new teammate, and Boynton is in no position to be choosy.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg

by Bruce McCurdy on Feb 5, 2010 9:31 PM MST reply actions

I too think we should pick up boynton. He has to be an upgrade over Mr Strudwick

by SumOil on Feb 6, 2010 8:23 AM MST up reply actions

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