Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
I can now take a sigh of relief. No, that is not sarcasm you detect from me at all. Peter Chiarelli continues his strong off season by re-signing Johnny Boychuk to a two year deal. The deal gives Boychuk between $3.5 & $3.75 million dollars over the two years, and is a great deal for both the player and the club. Normally Boychuk wouldn't even be an unrestricted free agent at this point in his career, but the NHL has a rule that mandates a player, 25 years of age, who hasn't played the equivalent of an entire NHL season (82 games) over his entire career gets the unrestricted tag. Boychuk turned 26 in January
If you watched the B's during the 2nd half of the season, you know the physical defenseman seemed to put it all together. He was outstanding in the playoffs as he averaged 26 minutes per game, a huge increase on his regular season PT. He really stepped up in the playoffs when the Bruins needed help on the blue line the most as they were missing Dennis Seidenberg and Mark Stuart. He now will enter just his second full season (he played 55 games last season) with a ton of confidence built from his playoff experience.
The move now pretty much solidifies the Bruins defense before the draft even takes place. Mark Stuart is still an impending free agent, but I've no doubt Chiarelli will bring him back as well. He's a talented player, but can't stay healthy. Honestly, I couldn't care less what happens with him. The first defensive pairing will obviously be Chara and Seidenberg. My best guess is Boychuk along with Andrew Ferrence, and then Matt Hunwick along with Stuart. That is a solid NHL blue line if you ask me.
On a side note, I forgot to mention that Bobby Orr is the agent for Nathan Horton. I have no doubt now that he'll be a huge success here in Boston. It's June and I already can't wait for hockey season.
