(Photo: Bridget Samuels/Ikeastan Hockey) The Bruins Daily staff grades Johnny Boychuk's 2011-12 season in the latest installment of the year end report cards

Throughout the offseason, Bruins Daily will be posting daily report cards on each individual members of the 2011-12 NHL season Boston Bruins.

In order of jersey number, each player will be highlighted. In today’s edition, we have No. 55, defensemen Johnny Boychuk.

Name: Johnny Boychuk
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Age: 28
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 225
Contract: UFA in 2014-15
Cap hit: $3.36 mil

Chris’ take:

Johnny Rocket straight off the face-off. Bruins fans have gotten use to that call from Jack Edwards and Boychuk has become a fan favorite due to his missile of a slap shot and grittiness while on the ice.

Boychuk played in 77 games for the black and gold and had an impressive plus 27 (8th in NHL) while adding 15 points on the season (5 G 10 A). His five goals tied a career-high while he also did it during the 2009-10 season. Johnny B also scored one goal and assisted on two others in seven games played during the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs.

He may have had defensive lapses at times, but he is signed for another three years and the Bruins were wise to lock him up because with his toughness and ability to shoot the puck, will be a real asset to the B’s.

Grade: B-

Anthony’s Analysis:

I’m not a huge fan of Boychuk, but that doesn’t mean I dont like the guy. I think Boychuk’s value is overrated due to his pairing with Zdeno Chara. I mean hey I could look pretty good lining up next to Big Z.

My favorite part of Boychuk’s game is his physicaility. The guy aboslutely shows his physical presence each and every night something Bruins fans enjoy. Boychuk’s shot is another part of his game I enjoy. Guy has a cannon from the point, thats for sure. The only knock I have on Boychuk is his defensive play. Too often I feel he is out of position or turning the puck over giving the opposition a prime scoring chance.

Grade: C+

Rosie’s turn:

Anthony and Chris certainly make good points, but I still say the best is yet to come for Johnny Boychuk.

In his three years with the Black and Gold, Boychuk has developed into a solid, top-4 defenseman and the 2011-12 season was no different. The former second round pick tied a career high in goals (5), assists (10) and points (15) in 77 games — matching his totals in 51 games from the 2009-10 season — while also posting a career high plus-27. As a result, Boychuk was awarded with a contract extension solidfying the Bruins’ blue line for the foreseeable future. Whether he skates with Andrew Ference or Zdeno Chara, Boychuk will continue to provide a physical presence and his trademark Johnny rocket.

Grade: B

Mark’s grade: B