Johnny Boychuk

Johnny Boychuk
Boychuk with the New York Islanders in January 2015
Born	(1984-01-19) January 19, 1984 (age 33) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	225 lb (102 kg; 16 st 1 lb)
Position	Defense
Shoots	Right
NHL team Former teams	New York Islanders Colorado Avalanche Boston Bruins
NHL Draft	61st overall, 2002 Colorado Avalanche
Playing career	2004–present

John Paul "Johnny" Boychuk (born January 19, 1984) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 61st overall in 2002 by the Colorado Avalanche, he has previously played for the Avalanche and the Boston Bruins. In 2011, he was a part of the Bruins' Stanley Cup Championship team.

Boychuk was drafted 61st overall in the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2002 Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. Prior to being drafted, he played with the Western Hockey League's (WHL) Calgary Hitmen. Boychuk made his professional debut with the Hershey Bears in the 2004–05 season. Boychuk spent the next four years in the Avalanche organization playing primarily for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliates. He made his NHL debut in the 2007–08 season on January 5, 2008, against the New York Islanders. Boychuk made his debut as a forward playing on the wing rather than his usual defenseman position.

On June 24, 2008, Boychuk was traded to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Matt Hendricks. He was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, to start the 2008–09 season and in his first week was named "AHL Player of the Week." On December 1, 2008, Boychuk was recalled to Boston and made his Bruins debut in a 3–1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 4, 2008. Boychuk was then returned to Providence for the rest of the season, where he played a breakout season, capturing the Eddie Shore Award by leading the league with 20 goals and 45 assists among defenceman and being named to the AHL's First All-Star Team.