It depends. That’s not typically how I start a post on expectation for a player, but in the case of New York Islanders Johnny Boychuk, that’s entirely the case. It depends. Specifically, it depends on Noah Dobson.
The expectation is that Noah Dobson will be pushing for a roster spot this season. After dominating in the QMJHL and winning the CHL’s Memorial cup, yet again, he’s ready for the NHL.
But the New York Islanders already have three right-handed defenders on the roster in Ryan Pulock, Johnny Boychuk, and Scott Mayfield. Johnny Boychuk might just have to sit out if Dobson is slotted in.