The New York Islanders will not have Johnny Boychuk in the lineup this season, as the veteran defenseman’s playing career has come to an end. Though he is likely not actually retiring thanks to the two years (and $8MM) left on his contract, the serious eye injury that he suffered this season will force him off the ice.
Boychuk was initially injured when Artturi Lehkonen’s skate hit him in a regular season game, creating a frightening scene in New York. Amazingly, the veteran defenseman actually returned for the playoffs but was injured again when he took a high hit from Mike Matheson. In the release, the Islanders state that Boychuk suffered two injuries to the same eye. When speaking to reporters including Arthur Staple of The Athletic, he explained that he has been diagnosed with optic nerve damage.
A veteran of over 800 NHL games, the 36-year-old Boychuk has been a solid contributor for more than a decade. His best offensive season came with the Islanders in 2014-15 when he recorded 35 points, but he was never much of a headline-maker. Instead, he calmly ended rush after rush and moved the puck up to his teammates, averaging more than 20 minutes a night through his long career. He won a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011, playing a pivotal role and even scoring a game-winning goal to eliminate the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round.
Quite importantly, Boychuk does not appear to be giving up the remaining money on his contract, but will be moved to long-term injured reserve if the Islanders need extra cap space. With Mathew Barzal still to sign, suddenly getting a $6MM cap hit off the books is an incredible break for New York, even if it comes at the expense of a savvy veteran defenseman. Boychuk’s career was winding down anyway and the Islanders have more than enough defensemen to fill the roster, meaning this is something of a convenience for the team as they prepare for next season and finish negotiations with Barzal.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Courtesy of The Golden Muzzy (via HC), Barzal $$$ are now found. All it took was a small room, a wobbly chair with a 40w light bulb dangling from a 12/2 wire, and LOU! Works every time! (This does contradict previous reports that Johnny was basically healed and ready to go…)
Congrats on a great career. I’m glad a well respected player like himself was able to have a lot of success, get a lot of money, and get a ring.
Hossa, Boychuck, Little, maybe Ferland….players that are injured to a point they can no longer play. Still getting paid, and still on a roster. Deserving of their $ for sure.
Luongo could have done the same thing with his hip injury…instead he ‘retired’ and screwed over the Panthers and Canucks. Not sure why he chose that route, as I always thought he was a team-player first. He signed that brutal contract, and the penalties were added after.
I would assume he retired because at some point the docs would have cleared him to play.
^ I disagree that they would have let him play. His hip was in rough shape.
Kessler,Eaves,etc…all not allowed to “retire” until the contract drain is off the books. Seriously the PA needs an upgrade.
Players don’t plan on getting career ending injuries and they are on a contract so it does make sense that they still get paid while under contract and a PA can’t change anything dealing with a legally binding contract, especially when they only got injured while playing.
Sorry to hear this. Loved Johnny “Rockets” with the Bruins. He was a warrior. Grit and toughness were never in short supply. Wish him good health.
Like Gob Bluth would say: “Excuse me while I circumvent this salary cap.”
At least this isn’t as sus as Marian Hossa.
Hossa skin rash sus
Associated Press is reporting it as a retirement.
Boychuk solid defenceman don’t retire yet collect Ur money… Big deal for young Noah Dobson should be in the top 6 mix of Isles d-men…