Johnny Boychuk will not play again

The New York Islanders will not have Johnny Boychuk in the roster this season, as the defender’s veteran playing career comes to an end. While he is unlikely to retire due to the two years (and $ 8 million) remaining on his contract, the serious eye injury he suffered this season will force him off the ice.Boychuk was initially injured when Artturi LehkonenSkateboarding hit him in a regular season game, creating a scary scene in New York City. Surprisingly, the veteran defenseman returned for the playoffs, but was injured again when he took a free kick Mike Matheson. In the statement, the islanders say Boychuk suffered two injuries to the same eye. When you talk to reporters including Arthur Staple of The Athletic, he explained that he had been diagnosed with an optic nerve injury.

A veteran of over 800 NHL games, Boychuk, 36, has been a solid contributor for over a decade. His best offensive season came with the Islanders in 2014-15 when he collected 35 points, but he never really made the headlines. Instead, he calmly finished race after race and moved the puck to his teammates, averaging over 20 minutes a night over his long career. He won a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011, playing a central role and even scoring a game-winning goal to eliminate the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round.

More importantly, Boychuk doesn’t appear to be giving up any money left from his contract, but will be transferred to the long-term injured reserve if the Islanders need an additional cap. With Mathew Barzal yet to sign, suddenly getting a limit of $ 6 million is an incredible break for New York, even if it comes at the expense of a seasoned defenseman. Boychuk’s career was coming to an end anyway and the Islanders have more than enough defenders to fill the roster, which means it’s something handy for the team as they prepare for next season. and ends negotiations with Barzal.

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