Eye Injury Forces Johnny Boychuk to Retire

The New York Islanders announced on Wednesday, defenseman Johnny Boychuk has retired due to complications from an eye injury he suffered last season.

The tough news comes after the veteran defenseman underwent multiple medical exams and received numerous opinions on the matter. He's decided it's in his best interest to step away from playing the game he loves so dearly.

#Isles News: After numerous and extensive medical exams, New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk’s career has come to an end, due to an eye injury suffered during the 2019-20 regular season.https://t.co/HqUt4e0Se0

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 25, 2020

Boychuk spent 13 seasons in the NHL, and last season he required stitches and plastic surgery after being cut across the right eyelid by Artturi Lehkonen's skate on March 3rd when his team played the Montreal Canadiens.

Unfortunately for Boychuk, it was the second time his right-eye had been injured while playing hockey. Last season wore on Boychuk as he also suffered a head injury once he returned in August, which caused him to miss six weeks. 

Boychuk retires with two years left on his $42 million contract. is 725 career games and 206 career points have come throughout his 13 year career that spanned from Colorado to winning a Stanley Cup in Boston and making his way to Long Island.

We wish nothing but the best for JB!

Photo credit:  John McCreary/Icon Sportswire

Johnny Boychuck didn’t have to re-sign after he was traded to the @NYIslanders but he did, unlike others in the past, and although the team didn’t win a cup, he helped change the culture here. He should be in the #Isles hall of fame. Congrats on a great career @joboych! https://t.co/wkqBxV5AAh

— Peter Schwartz (@SchwartzSports) November 25, 2020

#JohnnyBoychuck was a terrific #NHLBruins d-man. Sorry to hear he's gotta retire early. And remember...he was on the ice for this.... #BruinsFam pic.twitter.com/Ousy5sWLXb

— Steve MacEachern (@SteveJMacE) November 25, 2020

Johnny Boychuk getting emotional talking about the news today. Damn.
pic.twitter.com/eYEma5M8qg

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) November 25, 2020

Anyone who knows JB knows he is one of a kind in every way. He is a selfless teammate, who never backed down, shot every rimmed puck, has a heart of gold, and touch of moderns top customer. But above all he is always there for you.I’m lucky you call you my friend, Love you Beezy pic.twitter.com/qhS8Kkkm5g

— Anders Lee (@leeberr09) November 25, 2020