Zachary Boychuk (born October 4, 1989) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who is currently playing for Eisbären Berlin in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). He was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round, 14th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and played parts of 7 seasons in the NHL with Carolina Huricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators. He played major junior with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Boychuk has had a 3-year career in the KHL with Sibir Novosibirsk and before moving on to Europe having won titles in Switzerland and Germany with SC Bern (2018-19), and Eisbären Berlin (2020-21, 2021-22) respectively. He has represented Team Canada at three Spengler Cups - winning the 2017, and 2019 editions. Playing career Boychuk began his major junior career in 2005–06 with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL. After recording 51 points in 64 games in his rookie season, he improved to 31 goals and 91 points in 69 games the next season, third overall in the WHL. In Boychuk's draft year, he finished with 33 goals and 72 points, good for WHL East Second All-Star honours. Leading the Hurricanes to the 2008 WHL Finals – he had 21 points in 18 playoff games – Lethbridge was, however, swept by eventual Memorial Cup winners, the Spokane Chiefs. Heading into the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Boychuk was ranked eighth by the Central Scouting Service among North American skaters. He was chosen fourteenth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes. After attending the Hurricanes' prospect camp in July, he went into surgery for his left wrist, which he had injured during the 2008 WHL playoffs. He was cleared to play during the 2008–09 NHL preseason and on October 4, 2008, the Hurricanes signed him to a three-year, entry level contract. He made his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings on October 17, 2008 becoming the first Hurricanes player since Eric Staal in 2003 to make his NHL debut in his draft year. He was returned to Lethbridge after appearing in two NHL games. Upon being sent down, Boychuk completed his fourth season of WHL hockey by registering 57 points (28g, 29a) in 43 regular-season games and leading the team with 13 points (7g, 6a) in 11 playoff contests. He shared the Harry Ingarfield Memorial Award as Lethbridge's team MVP and won the team's plus/minus award. He was