Johnny Boychuk’s Boston Bruins Tenure Packed With Memorable Hits (Videos)

boychuk It’s fitting that Johnny Boychuk was a hit with fans in Boston, because hits were just what he dished out during his time as a Bruin.

Boychuk returns to TD Garden, the rink he called home for six seasons, on Thursday night. Three days before the season, the Bruins traded Boychuk to the New York Islanders in exchange for two second-round draft picks and a conditional third-round selection.

The move left many Bruins fans smarting, just like Boychuk’s on-ice victims.

Boychuk came to Boston in 2008 via a trade with the Colorado Avalanche. He quickly became a key part of the team’s success at both ends of the ice and was a valuable member of two Bruins teams that reached the Stanley Cup Final, one of which lifted hockey’s ultimate prize in 2011.

Throughout his career in Boston, the veteran defenseman provided fans with many memorable moments. These memories include clutch goals, huge hits, fights and celebrations.

As we get ready for Boychuk’s first game in Boston since the trade, let’s look back at some of his best moments in a black and gold sweater, in no particular order.