Islanders Ink Johnny Boychuk to Seven-Year Extension
Johnny Boychuk has been playing like a top-line defenseman all season for the thriving New York Islanders, and on Thursday the former Bruin got paid like one.
The Islanders announced on Thursday that they had signed Boychuk to a seven-year contract extension through the 2021-22 season, with Newsday’s Arthur Staple reporting that the deal is worth $42 million.
“Johnny’s influence in our dressing room, both on and off the ice, has been immeasurable,’’ Islanders general manager Garth Snow said the team’s statement. “His veteran presence is an asset that we are thrilled to help lead our club.’’
“Ever since I came to the Islanders, the organization has been incredible to both myself and my family,’’ Boychuk said. “I am proud to be an Islander and look forward to competing every night in front of such a passionate fan base for many years to come.’’
Since being traded from the Bruins in October for three draft picks, Boychuk has been sensational for the Islanders. He is one of only two Islanders skaters to average over 21 minutes of time on ice per game; his 32 points lead all Islanders defenseman, despite Boychuk missing 10 games this season, and his plus/minus of 17 trails only Ryan Strome for the highest on the team.
Boychuk’s acquisition has been one of main reasons the Islanders are putting together their best season in over a decade. Leading the Metropolitan Division for much of the year, the Islanders are neck-and-neck with the Rangers for first place in the division, while both teams are also battling the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Prior to this season, the 31-year-old had played all but four of his 321 NHL games with the Bruins, scoring 19 goals with 56 assists. He was a major factor on the Bruins’ blue line that won the Stanley Cup in 2011 and went to the Final again in 2013, while also being one of the most popular and strongest voices in the Bruins locker room.
With Boychuk slated to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli chose to trade him rather than potentially lose him to free agency. Looking at the contract he was given by the Islanders, there is almost no way he would have been back in Black and Gold, given the salary cap woes that continue to plague the team.
Boychuk, meanwhile, has been making the most of his opportunities this entire season, and the defenseman has finally cashed in on his success.
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