Johnny Boychuk Avoids Free Agency and Signs

Rookie Johnny Boychuk will avoid free agency and sign with the team that believed in him in the first place. During the 2008 campaign, Boychuk came over from the Colorado Avalanche organization in exchange for center Matt Hendricks.

In his first year in the system, he tallied a whopping 65 points in 78 games– an impressive marker for any defenseman in any league.  This past season Boychuk received a long look from the big club playing in 51 games and managing 15 points.

In the playoffs, however, the 25-year-old really stood out by showing his booming shot and physical nature.   He also posted six points in 13 games which was good for fourth amongst defenseman.

With Dennis Wideman not returning the Edmonton native see top four minutes, instantly boosting his fantasy value.  He may even see time alongside Zdeno Chara although most pundits feel Dennis Seidenberg will be his permanent partner.

Given some powerplay time and the addition of scoring forward Nathan Horton should improve Boychuk to at least the 30 point plateau and definitely should be a player to watch come draft day.