Penguins/NHL
As we’ve been mentioning for the past two weeks, the Penguins have an interest in re-signing defenseman Philippe Boucher.
Boucher was a mentor to young defenseman Kris Letang as the two became close off the ice and Pittsburgh has made a one year offer worth $600,000 (performance bonuses), sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports.
The New York Rangers are among a few other teams to reach out to Boucher but Boucher is only considering a return to Pittsburgh or retirement at this point.
Unless a guaranteed offer with a role as a top 6 defenseman comes his way, Boucher will be returning to Pittsburgh or retiring.
The players on the team have been pushing for Boucher to return and he has been receiving frequent phone-calls from his teammates.
Unlike Daryl Sydor, Boucher became a leader in the locker-room and went out of his way to be a mentor to the young players.
Boucher expects to make a decision before September 1st.
*The vibe around the team is that
Boucher will return and play one more year. The Penguins are not comfortable with Ben Lovejoy as their 7th defenseman.
