Johnny Boychuk signs 2-year deal with Bruins

According to reports from the New England Hockey Journal and Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com, Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk has signed a two-year extension with the team. According to Haggerty, the deal is worth between $3.5 million and $3.75 million ($1.75 - $1.875 million per season) without a no trade clause. The 26-year-old defenseman was slated to become a free agent on July 1st and there were rumors that his hometown Edmonton Oilers were interested in his services and were willing to pay in the neighborhood of $2 million per year.

Boychuk had a break-out season last year and I am glad that the Bruins were able to keep him in Boston for the next two years. His physical presence and hard shot from the point are real assets to this team's blue line corps.

UPDATE (12:49 PM ET): Joe Haggerty has confirmed that the deal is for $3.75 million over 2 years with a cap hit just over $1.8 million per year.