Report: Islanders eager to sign Johnny Boychuk to extension

The New York Islanders are sold on Johnny Boychuk.

New York is eager to begin contract negotiations with the pending unrestricted free agent defenseman in an effort to keep him from seeing the open market this summer, according to Pierre LeBrun. 

"The Islanders are going to have a full court press on Johnny Boychuk in the near future," LeBrun said on TSN's Insider Trading. "They want him to settle in first, but already he's become a big leader on that team, very popular in that room, and they will make him a serious offer.

 "They want him to stay put in Long Island."

Boychuk's contributions have run far deeper than a locker room presence. The former Boston Bruins blue liner has contributed two goals, six points and featured a plus-4 rating through his first five games on Long Island.