Boychuk (eye) was traded to the Sabres from the Islanders in exchange for future considerations Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Boychuk is essentially retired due to his long-term eye injury, but he still carries a $6 million cap hit, and adding his salary will help Buffalo get over the cap floor following the trade that sent Jack Eichel (neck) to Vegas. Boychuk will likely officially announce his retirement following the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign.

Boychuk (eye) will be placed on long-term injured reserve by the Islanders, Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

This should not be a shock to anyone, as Boychuk's career ended due to an eye injury in 2020. This is the last season that Boychuk is under contract with the Islander.

Boychuk (eye) has been an unofficial coach for the Islanders this season, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boychuk has been on the ice for the Isles during some practices and is also learning from general manager Lou Lamoriello during games. Boychuk's playing days are over due to the injury, but his contract still runs through the 2021-22 season. He has not stated if he wants to remain in hockey, but a coaching or front office role could be in his future.

Boychuk was officially placed on LTIR by the Islanders on Wednesday, Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boychuk has unofficially retired from playing in the NHL. An eye injury that he suffered last season has ended his career. The Islanders have elected to place him on LTIR for salary cap purposes as this move allows them to go above the cap and sign several other players. Boychuk ends his career with 725 games played, 54 goals, and 152 assists.

Boychuk will end his professional career due to an eye injury suffered during the 2019-20 campaign, the Islanders announced Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Boychuk played in just three of the team's 22 games in the postseason last year. Even when he was on the ice, the blueliner averaged just 10:56 of ice time in which he garnered four shots, nine blocks and six hits. Over the course of his 13-year NHL career, the 36-year-old Edmonton native saw action in 725 games for Colorado, Boston and New York and racked up 54 goals and 152 helpers along the way. The veteran blueliner chipped in another 30 points in 104 postseason contests that included a Stanley Cup championship with the Bruins in 2011. Given the team's release stated that Boychuk's career was ending, rather than retiring, he figures to spend the final two years of his deal on long-term injured reserve.

Boychuk will play Tuesday's Game 5 against the Lightning, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The elder statesman on the Islanders' blue line has only suited up once in the postseason -- back in Game 1 against Florida on Aug. 1. Boychuk dealt with an undisclosed injury but was reportedly cleared to play as early as Aug. 24, so he's been serving as a healthy scratch for the 11 games since. Michael Dal Colle exits the lineup as a healthy scratch.

Boychuk (undisclosed) has been cleared to play in Monday's Game 1 matchup with Philadelphia, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boychuk has been out of action since the first play-in round clash with the Panthers on Aug. 1. The Edmonton native should be in the mix for a spot in the lineup, though coach Barry Trotz may not want to change up the blue line after the Isles beat Washington 4-0 to clinch the previous series in Game 5.

Boychuk (undisclosed) won't be in the lineup for Thursday's Game 5 matchup with the Captials, Brian Compton of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boychuk took warmups as the seventh defensemen Thursday, signaling a return could be nearing for the veteran. Instead, it will be the eighth-straight game missed for the 36-year-old, with Andy Greene remaining in the lineup. Boychuk's next chance to suit up will either be in the second round, or for Saturday's Game 6 pending the result Thursday.

Boychuck (undisclosed) won't be in the lineup for Tuesday's Game 4 matchup against Washington, Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boychuck will miss his seventh straight game with the undisclosed issue, but could be nearing a return, as he's been practicing with the team the past week. Devon Toews and Scott Mayfield will man the third defensive pairing, and Boychuck's next chance to suit up will either be in the second round with a Islanders win, or Thursday for Game 5.

Boychuk (undisclosed) won't play in Sunday's Game 3 versus the Capitals, per the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

Boychuk will miss a sixth straight game, but he has been practicing for a week now and could be nearing a return. His next opportunity to gear up will be Tuesday's Game 4.