Boychuk's contract was up after the end of the season, but he's a popular player that's been with the Bruins since the '08-'09 season when he only got into one game. He's been a solid player for awhile for the team and somebody I really came to like even as a casual fan. But the Bruins weren't going to have $6 million plus a year to resign him for the 2015-2016 season and beyond. Boston has other priorities as far as long-term deals are concerned, and while this is a very unpopular move, it makes sense from a long-term perspective, a strategy that the Bruins adopted a long time ago. But Johnny will be missed in Boston. Good luck in New York, buddy.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons, Sarah Connors, 2012