The Devils announced Friday that they have signed tough guy Eric Boulton to a one-way deal.

Boulton, 34, will bring a physical presence to the lineup using his 6-1, 225-lb. frame. The left wing recorded six goals, four assists in 69 games with Atlanta last season. Three of those goals came against the Devils on Dec. 18, when he recorded his first career hat trick.

"It's a hockey decision," Boulton said. "At this stage of my career it's all about winning. I think this team is really close to having a great year next year if they pick up where they left off last year. It's a great organization, and I'm just happy to be a part of something like this."

Known for dropping the gloves, the native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, has topped 100 penalty minutes six times over his 10 NHL seasons. Originally drafted by the Rangers 234th overall in 1994, Boulton signed in 1999 as free agent in Buffalo, where he spent four seasons before joining Atlanta for the last six campaigns.

Boulton, who toured Prudential Center's practice locker room shortly after signing, joked that fans shouldn't expect to see too many hat tricks from him this season.

"Maybe in practice, but not in games," he said. "I'll bring the physical side to the game as everybody knows. I'll stick up for my teammates and be a good team guy. That's what I'm all about."

Boulton was a teammate of Ilya Kovalchuk and Johan Hedberg in Atlanta and Henrik Tallinder in Buffalo. He's also friends with fellow Nova Scotian Colin White.

The signing came one day after former Devil bruiser Cam Janssen was brought back to New Jersey on a two-way contract.