Islanders activate Boychuk, Hamonic from IR

Dec 19, 2014 - 11:45 PM Uniondale, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - The New York Islanders have activated defensemen Johnny Boychuk and Travis Hamonic from injured reserve ahead of Friday night's road contest against the Detroit Red Wings.

"They are good in all areas [including the] penalty kill and they can bring heavy shots in the offense zone as well," noted Islanders captain John Tavares of his returning teammates. "They are very mobile guys that play a physical game. Those aren't easy defensemen to play against or to find. They are a big part of our team, so it's nice to have him back."

Boychuk, acquired from Boston in early October, picked up two goals and 12 assists in 21 games this season before an undisclosed upper-body injury kept him out of action for the last nine contests.

Hamonic, who has collected three goals and three assists in 21 appearances, last suited up on Dec. 2. He was also felled by an upper-body issue.

Both players are the club's lone right-handed shooting blueliners.