Since 2015, Johnny Boychuk has worn number 55 and has been an integral part of the Islanders’ defense, but it was clear as day that last season was a bit of a struggle. In fact, his role has been changed from a two-way type of defender to a one-way, stay-at-home player.

There’s no denying that Boychuk is at the tail-end of a great career at age 36. Injuries have taken their toll leaving Islanders’ fans the reality that the 2015 Boychuk is far in the rearview mirror. Defensively last year, Boychuk was 16th in blocks and still showed physicality, but garnered just 11 points, less than half of his output a few seasons ago.

A problem with the situation Boychuk’s $6 million average salary over the next two years, which is quite hefty considering his quality of play, particularly last season. Clearing up that cap space would certainly benefit the organization. To be honest, the Islanders defense played quite well without Boychuk, who was a scratch late in the season after an eye injury.

Moving forward, it would appear that the wise choice, and not the sentimental choice, would be to move on from Boychuk. He has shown there is still some productive play left in him, but not nearly as much as in the past and not worth the big salary. On the flip side, Boychuk provides great leadership for the young players. He would still be one of the top defenders on the team while serving as sort of a player-coach role for the rookies.

Perhaps the Islanders would keep Boychuk in the mix among the team’s defenders, but a trade is not out of the realm of possibility according to lines.com. The type of team that could be interested in Boychuk would be a young, rebuilding team that has a great deal of cap space. Another distinct possibility is that Boychuk could end up in Washington to play for the expansion Seattle Kraken. That would be a perfect fit for a team likely going to be loaded with younger players.

Boychuk started his NHL career in 2007-2008 with the Colorado Avalanche, appearing in four games. He played the next six seasons in Boston and was part of the Stanley Cup Championship team in 2011. The 2013-2014 season was Boychuk’s best in a Bruins’ uniform. In 75 games, he scored 23 points on five goals and 18 assists with 151 blocks, 158 hits and over 21 minutes of ice time per game.

In Boychuk’s first season with the Islanders, he scored 35 points on nine goals and 26 assists, all career highs. In addition, he had over 21 minutes of ice time per game, 149 blocks and 171 hits. In six years with the Islanders, Boychuk has 131 points on 35 goals and 96 assists, in addition to 782 blocks and 873 hits. For his career, Boychuk has appeared in 725 games with 54 goals and 152 assists to go along with 1326 blocks and 1475 hits.

Stay tuned to see where Boychuk will end up at the start and during the 2020-2021 season.

John Smark