Being traded from a Stanley Cup contender to a team that has made the playoffs only once in the last seven years might be disheartening for some players.
But for Johnny Boychuk, who was traded Saturday from the Boston Bruins to the New York Islanders, it’s a chance to prove his worth as a top player on a team’s blue line.
“I know that I’m going to be having a bigger role here than what it was in Boston,” the defenseman told reporters Monday. “But I’m up for the challenge, and I can’t wait to get in front of these fans.”
Boychuk feels prepared for his new test after spending five years under the tutelage of 2009 Norris Trophy winner Zdeno Chara.
“He’s a true professional, and he works extremely hard on and off the ice,” Boychuk said. “You take things that he teaches you and bring it to maybe a team like (the Islanders).”
Still, 30-year-old Boychuk enjoyed his time in Boston, where he scored 19 goals and 56 assists in 317 career regular-season games and was part of the 2011 Stanley Cup championship team.
“(Boston) was a good place to play, and I have nothing but respect for that organization and the team,” he said. “They treated me well, and I treated them just as well. It’s sad to say goodbye, but now it’s a new beginning.”
Photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
