Carolina Hurricanes Offseason Preview: Restricted Free Agents
By Brett Finger
Jan 9, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Zach Boychuk (32) celebrates his 1st period goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes have had Zach Boychuk in their organization since he was their first round draft pick in 2008.
First, I think it is incredibly ridiculous that he did not make the team out of training camp. He was in the best shape of his life, he was playing the best hockey of his life, and Kirk Muller just sent him off back to Charlotte.
Since then, Zach Boychuk has 64 points (31 goals, 33 assists) in 60 games with the Charlotte Checkers this season. He was also called up for 9 games earlier this season. He picked up 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 9 games with the Carolina Hurricanes in his lone callup early in the year, and he was on the fourth line for the entire time. He was a +2.
I don’t know why, but he was placed right in Kirk Muller’s dog house with the likes of Jussi Jokinen and Chad LaRose in the past.
With a new head coach likely coming in next season, Zach Boychuk should get a chance to have a good start with whoever that will be. It’s obvious that Zach Boychuk has turned into a new player, but the organization did not give him a chance this season.
If it was up to me, the Carolina Hurricanes should re-sign Zach Boychuk and get him on the team in training camp. He could be a great player for the Carolina Hurricanes as soon as next season.
Verdict: 1 year, $900k