This piece will be another in my series of player profiles, where I’ll give some thoughts on the performance of a member of the New York Islanders this season. This article will focus on Johnny Boychuk.

Coming into the year, I was fully expecting to see Boychuk in the press box for a good chunk of the season, based on Noah Dobson making the Islanders' roster. In reality, I was impressed with Boychuk this season and truthfully, it’s a good thing he was playing.

Considering Noah Dobson isn’t where many (including myself) may have projected him to be development-wise at this point, it’s a good thing Boychuk was able to carry some of the workload. He played over two minutes per game on the penalty kill, was effective in net-front battles and didn’t get caught out of position too often. He also ranks second on the team blocks, with 128 blocked shots in just 64 games and first in hits among New York's defensemen. It was reported by ESPN a few days ago that he’ll be set to return when the season resumes, after recovering from being cut in the face by a skate in a scary injury.

To me, the key to Boychuk continuing to have success with the Islanders going forward is to not overplay him. Working in a couple more “load management” days next season might not be a bad idea as well, especially with Dobson’s development as an important area of focus again next season. But compared to where most players are when they're 36 years old, Boychuk's doing pretty well.

He still has another two years left on his contract, so it’s likely he’s with the Islanders for a little while longer. As for this year, Boychuk provided the Islanders with depth on defense and continued to fight off any significant regression to remain an effective piece on the back end.


Check back tomorrow for a profile on Derick Brassard's first season as an Islander.


For more, follow @BenShelley_20 on Twitter.


OTHER ISLANDERS ARTICLES FROM MARCH

Reviewing the season (so far): Anthony Beauvillier

Reviewing the season (so far): Mathew Barzal

Reviewing the season (so far): Josh Bailey

The good and the bad of the Islanders’ season (so far

Islanders need answers

Islanders have a favourable schedule to end the regular season

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