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New York Islanders: Boychuk to IR Up Comes Sebastian Aho

ByMatt O'Leary|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 16: Johnny Boychuk #55 of the New York Islanders looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Kings on December 16, 2017 at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 16: Johnny Boychuk #55 of the New York Islanders looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Kings on December 16, 2017 at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk was placed on IR, for a lower-body injury, the Islanders have recalled Sebastian Aho.

In a bit of a shocker today, the New York Islanders have placed Johnny Boychuk on IR for a lower-body injury. Boychuk had missed a few games earlier on in the season with an injury but now according to Arthur Staple, the Isles veteran d-man will be week to week.

Boychuk has struggled to stay on the ice during his time here in New York, his Islanders career high in games for a season is 72. Boychuk has never played a full 82 game season in his career.

It’s unfortunate for the Islanders because Johnny has had such a good season. He has a 50.4 CF% and a 1.6 CF% rel. His CF% is the highest from an Islanders defenseman this year and his CF% rel is second highest behind just Ryan Pulock.

Now, the Isles will call up a promising rookie in his place:

Sebastian Aho was taken in the fifth round of the 2017 draft but he has impressed many in camp and with his play in Bridgeport.

So far in the AHL, he has 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists) in 29 games.

Here’s a scouting report on Aho courtesy of Elite Prospects:

"A mobile defenseman with tremendous hockey sense. Is on the small side, but usually solves situations easily with his exceptional way of reading the game. Likes to carry the puck and does that with confidence. Very good passer and a defenseman that can be used in most situations."

The 21-year old is on a fast track to the NHL, set to make his debut just six months after he was taken in the fifth round. What a find Aho seems to be for the Isles.

I was a little surprised that Devon Toews didn’t get a call. He was taken by the Isles in the fourth round of the 2014 draft and put up fantastic numbers in Bridgeport last year. He’s a bit older (23-years-old) than Aho, but both seem like they’re ready or pretty close to NHL ready.

Next: Brock Nelson Is Back In Hibernation Mode

Missing Boychuk is going to be a huge loss to the Islanders, but I am excited to see what Aho has at the NHL level.

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