The Boston Bruins have a salary cap mess, this is well documented. As a result of their current salary cap debacle, it looks like defenseman Johnny Boychuk will end up being a causality and the odd man out. It's a shame, because Boychuk is a solid defenseman. Obviously, Bruins fans aren't going to be very happy about this. Boychuk is one of the Bruins more popular players.
Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe -- The Bruins have three preseason games to determine their roster for the Oct. 8 season opener against Philadelphia. Jobs are up for grabs on the third and fourth lines. But re-signing Krug and Smith gives the Bruins a clearer snapshot of how they’ll break camp, both in terms of dollars and roster strength.Bruins fans should enjoy Boychuk's last season with the Bruins.
They will still move a defenseman, most likely for futures. But once they account for the bonus overage and Marc Savard’s long-term injury exception, they will not have to move big bucks — namely Johnny Boychuk’s $3,366,667 — to get the league’s green light. This is a good thing. After this season, Boychuk will command an annual salary north of $6 million. This is not money the Bruins are in good position to spend.
But trading Boychuk would not improve the team. He is an experienced and dependable second-pairing defenseman. Because of the pot that awaits, Boychuk will be motivated to play well. The Bruins will benefit from that.