Chicago Blackhawks, Nick Boynton Reach Cap-Fitting Agreement

As the Chicago Blackhawks begin to prepare for what may be a very important training camp, they recently announced an agreement with defenseman Nick Boynton.

With the seemingly adapting mentality of playing at an affordable price, Boynton has agreed to a league-minimum one-year contract at $500,000.  While quite possibly ensuring a spot on the roster, the price to be paid is a one million dollar pay cut.

Boynton, 31, suited up in 42 games for the Anaheim Ducks before being traded to the Blackhawks just prior to the trade deadline.  While only playing in seven official games as a Blackhawk in the regular season, many remember Boynton suiting up for the final three games of the Stanley Cup Finals.

While Boynton has a cap-friendly number, the opportunity of seeing more ice time hinges on earning the spot.  With the youthfulness of Nick Leddy and Shawn LaLonde knocking on the door, time only will tell when their talents will earn exposure at the NHL level.

What can be assumed is that in a free agency period laden with hard-to-sell contracts, Boynton made a decision to assure a spot in an organization that he is familiar with.  Look for the big body to be a force in preseason and, while he may not rank highest in talent, Boynton offsets that with energy and heart. 

While skills are a necessity in a league where quick decisions make a difference, experience is double the worth in a league hindered by a hard salary cap.