BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Much like the Patriots did with Logan Mankins, the Bruins have traded a key veteran in defenseman Johnny Boychuk just days before their regular season opener.
Boychuk was dealt to the Islanders this afternoon for two future second round picks, as well as a third round pick. Boychuk was clearly a cap casualty, as the Bruins entered the season right against the salary cap. By dealing the veteran without taking back any salary in return, the black and gold shed around $3.4 million in salary for the upcoming season.
It remains to be seen how the Bruins will deal with the trade, as Boychuk was a popular teammate, and a member of the 2011 Stanley Cup champions.
Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said that the deal was difficult, but necessary:
"Arguably this doesn't make us better now but when I look at it as a series of steps, this was the right move. We want to get better, and sometimes you can't do it in one step".
The Bruins open the regular season on Wednesday night at TD Garden against the Flyers.
