Boston Bruins Former Player Daniel Paille Makes NHL Return With New York Rangers
A Former Boston Bruins forward and Stanley Cup Champion is officially back in the NHL.
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Daniel Paille, best known for his work on the “Merlot” line alongside Shawn Thornton and Gregory Campbell with the Bruins, was officially signed to a two-way contract on Thursday by the New York Rangers worth $575,000 in the NHL and $100,000 in the AHL. For anybody that watched Daniel Paille play at any point in his career, it’s hard to not feel happy for Paille as he gave his all on every shift he’s ever played in the NHL.
Daniel Paille was drafted with the 20th overall pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft and he has scored 85 goals and 172 points in his 570 career regular season games. Paille has been excellent throughout his career in a bottom-six role; contributing defensively, on the penalty kill, and he was arguably one of the best players on the Bruins’ roster in terms of generating energy night-in and night-out.
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Daniel Paille spent six seasons with the Bruins from 2009-10 up until the offseason following the 2014-15 season. Following his time in Boston, Daniel Paille generated some interest from the Chicago Blackhawks who signed him to an AHL contract. Paille has played in 31 games this season with Chicago’s AHL affiliate, the Rockford Icehogs and he’s scored one goal and added three assists for four points. While he isn’t going to blow anybody away with his point totals, Daniel Paille has made a name for himself as a special teams player, most notably on the penalty kill.
“We got (Paille) for a particular role — he was an excellent fourth line penalty killer in Boston, & our PK needs some help” New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault said.
Similarly to what his head coach said, Rangers’ defenseman Dan Girardi said: “He’s a great guy off the ice & on the ice he’s a great skater and a great PK guy.”
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It’s great to see someone with so much passion getting another opportunity to not only play hockey, but also play for a contending team like the New York Rangers who have no shortage of talent on offense, defense, and in net. With so many players locked into particular roles, it’s clear that Daniel Paille will be able to play his game without any concern about producing goals; something that plagued him in his last season with the Bruins after he experienced long stretches without contributing on the score sheet.
Follow Brandon Share-Cohen on Twitter @BShareCohen to discuss all things Bruins and sports