Observations:

January 2014- Boychuk was recalled from Charlotte on the 27th of December and has played in six games for the Hurricanes. He is currently average under nine minutes of ice time and has recorded one assist in his latest NHL campaign. With Jiri Tlusty set to return from an appendectomy, Boychuk could be relegated to the press box or back to the AHL at any time. Andrew Ward

July 2013 – Carolina is giving Zach Boychuk another chance at having some NHL success. After being claimed off waivers twice by Pittsburgh and Nashville, Carolina reclaimed him after being placed on waivers a third time. Boychuk a good prospect hasn't seen any consistent play or scoring since he was called up to the NHL. Being drafted 14th overall, there are high expectations for him and this one year deal could be his last shot, at least in Carolina. Andrew Ward

March 2013 – Boychuk played five games for Nashville, picked up two points and was plus-1. Pretty good numbers for 13 minutes per game… just not good enough for coach Barry Trotz. Boychuk was waived again, reclaimed by Carolina and sent to Carolina's farm team. It would appear that his chances as an NHL top sixer are over. – Dobber

March 2013 – Boychuk experiment over. Pittsburgh waived him, Nashville plucked him. Preds have put him on an offensive line and he scored in his first game. Maybe they will salvage his career the way they salvaged Sergei Kostitsyn's. – Dobber

February 2013 – Pittsburgh swiped Boychuk off the waiver wire hoping that he could translate his strong AHL start to the NHL after he failed to secure a spot in Carolina. Boychuk has been utilized mostly at even strength with Evgeni Malkin and shown creation abilities, but is still suffering from nothing hitting the scoresheet. The window that opened with an organizational change is quickly closing as Pittsburgh decided to scratch Boychuk in favor of trying rookie Beau Bennett in his hopeful role. Jason Banks

October 2012 – Boychuk is nearing his last legs as a ‘tweener’ in the Cane’s system. He has started the season posting nine points in eight contests to start the season in a more competitive AHL season. Carolina signed him for just one year in the summer, and placed him on waivers to be eligible for recall once the NHL comes back. His short stature puts him at a disadvantage on winning roster spots, but solid production speaks louder than sub six feet. He only has 18 points despite getting 72 games worth of NHL opportunities; this lack of production at the top level has hindered may before and points toward being a career minor leaguer much like Keith Aucoin, Brett Sterling, Darren Haydar, Martin St. Pierre and Corey Locke. Jason Banks

February 2012 – Boychuk is a highly talented forward with a great future ahead of him with the Hurricanes. Amassed great numbers in the WHL during his junior career with Lethbridge. Entering his third pro season in 2011-12, ‘Canes management was hoping first rounder Boychuk would finally find his game in the big leagues, albeit he is still developing in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers. Russ Bitely

Fantasy Outlook: D+

Boychuk is a gifted offensive talent with great hockey sense. He was unable to keep up at the NHL level, despite playing with the likes of Evgeni Malkin and he may have run out of chances.

Footage:

Zack Boychuk first goal with the Preds:

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