The New york Islanders have made a move to strengthen thier defensive core, claiming Adam Boqvist off waivers from the Florida Panthers.This acquisition, reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet on January 31st, marks the third puck-moving defenseman the Islanders have added in recent weeks, joining Tony DeAngelo, who signed as a free agent, and Scott Perunovich, who came to the team in a trade.
“It’s a big addition for us,” said Coach Lane Lambert. ” Boqvist brings speed, skill, and experience to our blue line, something we need with Noah Dobson, Ryan Pulock, and Mike Reilly all out.”
Boqvist, a 24-year-old right-shot defenseman, has struggled to find a consistent role with the Panthers this season. He last appeared in a game on January 6th and was a healthy scratch for the 11th consecutive game before being placed on waivers on January 30th. The 5’11” blueliner had a promising start to the season,appearing in nine of Florida’s first ten games. However, he has since seen limited playing time, dressing for only 18 of the Panthers’ 52 games.
“We’re looking for a fresh start for Boqvist,” said Panthers General Manager Bill Zito. “The opportunity in New York might be a better fit for him at this point in time.”
Boqvist was once considered a top prospect in the NHL. Drafted eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018, he was later acquired by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets bought out his contract after three seasons, making him a free agent last summer. This season, he signed a one-year, league-minimum contract with the Panthers.
Boqvist’s Journey: From Blue Jackets Prospect to Florida Panther
Table of Contents
- 1. Boqvist’s Journey: From Blue Jackets Prospect to Florida Panther
- 2. Boqvist Takes a Detour: From NHL Ice to AHL Development
- 3. Based on Boqvist’s desire to find consistency and recapture his past successes, what areas of his game does he need to focus on to achieve that with the Islanders?
- 4. Boqvist’s New Chapter: An Interview with Adam Boqvist
- 5. Adam, welcome to the Islanders. How are you feeling about this fresh start?
- 6. You’ve had a bit of a journey these past few seasons. how would you characterize your time with the Panthers?
- 7. Coach Lambert mentioned you bring speed and skill to the Islanders’ blue line. How would you describe your playing style?
- 8. You’ve had success in the past, notably with the Columbus Blue Jackets. What are you hoping to recapture with the Islanders?
- 9. What do you think are the biggest adjustments you’ll need to make in joining a new team midway through the season?
Jesper Boqvist’s journey in the NHL has been marked by flashes of promise and moments of struggle. Drafted eighth overall by Chicago in 2018, he quickly became a key piece for Columbus, showcasing offensive potential and carving out a consistent role on the power play.Though, physical limitations and inconsistent possession numbers led to a decline in ice time, culminating in a challenging 2023-24 season plagued by injuries.
Boqvist’s early years in Columbus saw him rack up 46 points in 98 games, demonstrating his offensive upside. Despite logging fewer even-strength minutes, he consistently contributed on the power play.However, concerns about his physicality persisted, and as the Blue Jackets added veteran defenders like Ivan Provorov and damon Severson, Boqvist found himself further down the depth chart.
Seeking a fresh start, Boqvist joined the Florida Panthers, hoping to regain a regular role. The Panthers, fresh off their Stanley Cup victory, saw potential in Boqvist, especially in filling the void left by departed power-play stalwarts Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Montour. Joining forces with his older brother, Jesper, who signed a league-minimum deal with Florida, added another layer of excitement to the move.
While Boqvist initially saw opportunities on the power play, Aaron Ekblad quickly solidified his position on the top unit. Ultimately,Boqvist averaged a mere 10:48 per game at even strength,the lowest among Florida’s defenders. His struggles to establish himself as a consistent contributor raise questions about his future role in Florida.
Boqvist Takes a Detour: From NHL Ice to AHL Development
The florida Panthers made a strategic move recently, assigning defenseman Boqvist to their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.This decision comes after Boqvist tallied a respectable six points (two goals and four assists) in 18 NHL appearances, though his defensive contributions haven’t quite met expectations.”60 at even strength also ranked last among Panthers D-men, leading to his poor defensive impacts outweighing any offensive benefit,” highlights the challenges he faced at the NHL level.
For Boqvist, this temporary return to the AHL signifies a crucial step in his development. “Boqvist hits pause on his NHL career for now after recording six points (2 G, 4 A) in 18 appearances for the panthers,” his journey back to the NHL will likely involve honing his defensive skills and regaining confidence in the AHL environment. This stint in Charlotte will be his first foray into the AHL since the 2019-20 season, when he was still part of the Chicago Blackhawks association.
Based on Boqvist’s desire to find consistency and recapture his past successes, what areas of his game does he need to focus on to achieve that with the Islanders?
Boqvist’s New Chapter: An Interview with Adam Boqvist
The New York Islanders have acquired defenseman Adam Boqvist off waivers from the Florida Panthers, hoping to bolster their blue line. We caught up with Boqvist to discuss this new chapter in his career.
Adam, welcome to the Islanders. How are you feeling about this fresh start?
Thanks for having me! I’m excited for this prospect. The Islanders are a great institution with a strong history, and I’m looking forward to contributing to their success.
You’ve had a bit of a journey these past few seasons. how would you characterize your time with the Panthers?
It was a good experience, learning from a great group of players and coaches. I think I showed flashes of what I’m capable of, but I also know there’s always room for betterment. I’m eager to prove myself in a new environment.
Coach Lambert mentioned you bring speed and skill to the Islanders’ blue line. How would you describe your playing style?
I like to be an offensive threat from the back end,but I’m also dedicated to playing solid defense. I’m a puck-moving defenseman who likes to jump into the play and create offence. I believe my speed and skill can help create scoring opportunities for my teammates.
You’ve had success in the past, notably with the Columbus Blue Jackets. What are you hoping to recapture with the Islanders?
I want to find consistency. I know I have the ability to be a valuable player in this league, and I’m persistent to show that on a nightly basis. I’m excited to work with Coach Lambert and the rest of the coaching staff to develop my game and reach my full potential.
What do you think are the biggest adjustments you’ll need to make in joining a new team midway through the season?
I’m eager to learn the Islanders’ system and integrate with my new teammates. It’s about interaction, understanding roles, and building chemistry. I’m confident I can adapt quickly and contribute positively.
What are your expectations for the Islanders this season?
I believe this team has a bright future. Thay’re built for success, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Let’s see what we can accomplish together.
We wish Adam the best of luck in his Islander career. What are your predictions for Boqvist’s impact on the blue line? Share your thoughts in the comments!
