Today, the New York Islanders sign top pair defenseman, Johnny
Boychuk to seven-year, $42 million contract with a $6M AAV. Previously signed line mate, Nick Leddy has a $5M AAV. That’s $11.5M for a solid top pairing for
Garth Snow’s Isles.
Another in a series of good moves by Snow
in what may be the start of something great for this team for a long time to
come. Especially when consider contracts
like those for Rangers defensemen, Daniel Girardi, who is making $5.5M until
19/20 and former Islander, Andrew MacDonald who will collect $5M until
19/20 from Philadelphia.
Boychuk has 32 points
this season with a +17 rating through 59 games with New York.
Islanders General
Manager, Garth Snow acquired Boychuk & Leddy on 10/14/14 in a major move to
immediately solidify the Islanders blue line in front of previously signed free
agent goaltender, Jaroslav Halak. Moves
that would immensely improve the Islanders season and future back end value.
Snow said, “Johnny’s
influence in our dressing room, both on and off the ice, has been immeasurable.
His veteran presence is an asset that we are thrilled to help lead our club."
Per Pierre LeBrun, “Boychuk deal has $11 million in signing bonuses as
part of that $42M total compensation, including $5.5 M signing bonus this July
1.” While some of you might scoff at the
term of the deal, what might turn out to be a couple of extra years at the tail
end of the contract are worth the immediate and future gains provided by
Boychuk, not to mention all the knowledge and character he brings to the room It also solidifies a top defensive
pairing that is as good as any in the NHL.
Johnny Boychuk on Nick Leddy: "It made it a lot easier to sign when
you have chemistry like that with your defense partner."
The best part of these
signings is that they should once and for all prove a final killing blow to the
stigma that top free agents scoff at signing with the Islanders. Another huge gain of the current team is
the balance of vets and promising young talent, poised to build a long time
contender that can sustain itself while giving prospects time to develop in the
minor leagues.
Johnny Boychuk commented
about signing on long term with the Isles, “Ever since I
came to the Islanders, the organization has been incredible to both myself and
my family,” Boychuk said. “I am proud to be an Islander and look forward to
competing every night in front of such a passionate fan base for many years to
come.”
Isles Notes:
D, Nick Leddy to miss at least 2 weeks with
upper body injury.
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