UPDATE: The Islanders traded for Boychuk.
Breaking: #Isles have acquired D Johnny Boychuk from the Bruins for a 2015 2nd, a 2016 2nd and a conditional 2015 3rd round pick.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) October 4, 2014
Boychuk leaving Boston isn’t the surprise here, but the Islanders being the destination is a shock. The Islanders have loaded up on some decent talent heading into 2014-15 and may have a genuine chance of challenging for a playoff spot should their offense and new pieces come together.
********************
EARLIER STORY
Here’s an interesting trade rumor for you. Well, it’s only interesting if you’re not Ron Hextall. Bob McKenzie, one of the most reliable hockey analysts and trade insider out there, believes the Boston Bruins are going to trade Johnny Boychuk. The Bruins could elect to move other pieces, but a Boychuk trade is apparently more than likely.
https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/518124026901049344
A Boston trade has seemed inevitable for a while now. The names brought up have varied, but the main fact is that the Bruins are going to have to make a trade to squeeze beneath the salary cap. Boychuk is a logical option as his salary (a little over $3.3 million) would assist in moving the team into compliance with the cap and he’s in the final year of his current contract. The Bruins should be able to get a decent return as Boychuk will be an unrestricted free agent next year and won’t bog down a team who needs some assistance on defense.
Which teams might want Boychuk? That’s difficult to say. Injuries may flair up before the season starts and teams are still making their final cuts. The picture may have to settle down some before anyone is willing to pull the trigger on a trade.
