Adam Boqvist was hit with the injury bug that has hampered the Columbus Blue Jackets. Boqvist missed significant time due to a broken foot. Viewed as a second-pairing defenseman, it has taken Boqvist time to develop. It seems now the young defensive player is putting it all together, and looks like a viable part of the Blue Jackets’ future. Boqvist is playing his best hockey now.
With top defensive players Zach Werenski out for the season due to a torn labrum and Vladislav Gavrikov a healthy scratch for trade purposes, Adam Boqvist has risen to the occasion. In his last four games, Boqvist has two goals, three assists, and five points while averaging 17:15 minutes of ice time. What is interesting is Boqvist is not strong 5v5.
Before being traded to Columbus as part of the Seth Jones trade, Boqvist was seen as a big part of the Chicago Blackhawks’ future. Now using his excellent speed and acceleration more consistently has opened up the offensive end of the ice. Boqvist has a very good shot and is fearless in shooting the puck; he tallied 11 goals for the Blue Jackets last season.
Defensively Boqvist has taken a big step forward. Gap control through his strong footwork has led to takeaways. Not afraid to play a physical game, Boqvist bulked up last offseason and became even more of a presence along the boards. The broken foot he suffered was a result of blocking a shot.
In the first year of a three-year $2.6M contract, during a lost season, the Blue Jackets took the time to develop Boqvist. The more ice time he has earned, the more he responds. It is becoming clearer that Boqvist will reach his pre-draft projection as a second-pairing defenseman.
Credit Boqvist for overcoming and masking some of the flaws that saw him out of position early in the season and not understanding the man-to-man defense the Blue Jackets switched to before the season. He now has a firm understanding of where he is and needs to be on the ice.
Reliable as the second-line power-play quarterback, Boqvist has shined in this area. There is little doubt he could sub on the top line (in case of injury) going forward. Adam Boqvist has been a sliver of light in the Blue Jackets season.
