Adam Boqvist has a new team after leaving the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Florida Panthers signed him for one year, and it’s a two-way deal for the 2024-25 NHL season. Boqvist was picked eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Draft. That year, he played 15 games with Brynäs IF in Sweden, getting just one assist. His strong performance with Team Sweden’s under-18 team, where he scored four goals and made 11 assists in 16 games, boosted his draft stock.
Boqvist debuted in the NHL during the shortened 2019-20 season. Over two seasons with Chicago, he scored six goals and tallied up to 29 points in 76 games while averaging about 16 minutes of ice time per game. Initially, he struggled defensively but showed potential as a top-four defenseman. However, his stay in Chicago ended when they traded him to Columbus along with some draft picks for Seth Jones.
In Columbus, Boqvist improved offensively with 16 goals and 46 points over two years . But injuries were a constant issue; he’s never completed a full season and played only up to 52 games at most in a single year. Last season was particularly tough as he managed just 35 games and scored ten points.
New Beginnings:
Now joining Florida might be good for Boqvist since he’s known for being good at controlling possession on the ice. The Panthers had an excellent defensive record last season and even won their first Stanley Cup title ever! With less pressure on him here, Boqvist could start as their seventh defenseman.
Fans might think this move will help both Boqvist and the Panthers improve further.
It’s interesting how players’ careers can change so quickly due to trades or injuries—sometimes it’s like watching an unpredictable movie plot twist! Do you think this new start will help Boqvist shine brighter?
