Projo Bruins Blog

Johnny Boychuk picked a great time to have a great year.

After four nondescript seasons in four AHL outposts -- Hershey, Lowell, Albany and Cleveland -- the 25-year-old free-agent-to-be has found his groove this year in Providence.

Boychuk on Friday was named winner of the Eddie Shore Award, which is given to the best defenseman in the American Hockey League.

"There's nobody more deserving than him,'' said coach Rob Murray after the morning skate, where he informed the team and Boychuk that he was the winner.

Named to the AHL first all-star team on Thursday, Boychuk is the top-scoring defenseman in the American Hockey League by a comfortable margin -- 20-43-63 in 73 games.

His booming point shot and ability to jump into the rush make him an offensive threat on every shift. Paired with Jeff Penner, Boychuk's defensive play also has been solid -- he is plus-10 heading into Friday's game against Hartford.

Boychuk's big year has been a key for the Bruins, who are in second place in the Atlantic Division despite having one of the league's youngest teams.

"Obviously, he's been a huge part of our team,'' said Murray. "You look past what he's done on the ice offensively and defensively lately, (assistant coach) Butch (Cassidy) mentioned it (Thursday) morning, from Day One (Boychuk) is a guy that is very coachable. He wants to improve, he wants to get better all the time. He's got a real passion for the game, loves to play the game, just has fun doing it. His highs don't get too high and his lows don't get too low. He just loves coming to the rink every day.

"He's got the ability to play in the NHL, and he's made strides toward that. We'll see where that takes him at the end of this season. I'd love to see him come back. . . but he holds all the cards with the season he's had.''

Boychuk was acquired from Colorado for Matt Hendricks last summer. He played four NHL games with the Avalanche last season and one with Boston this season.

The Providence Bruins only previous Eddie Shore Award winner is Jeff Serowik in 1994-95. Two Providence Reds won it: Joe Zanussi in 1974-75, and Larry Hillman in 1959-60.

 Tags  Boston Bruins Johnny Boychuk Providence Bruins

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