‘Dynamic’ Boqvist must make strides
Staying healthy is key to refining defensive skills
It’s been a mixed season for Adam Boqvist.
On the upside, the Blue Jackets defenseman has shown why he was drafted eighth overall by the Blackhawks in 2018 and included as a key piece of the trade that sent Seth Jones to Chicago last summer. Boqvist, 21, has more goals (11) than any other defenseman on the roster — including Zach Werenski (10) — and would have even more if it weren’t for the downside to his first season in Columbus.
After missing 24 games with injuries plus a COVID-19 infection, and after battling an offseason issue that slowed him in training camp, Boqvist hasn’t gotten enough development time. That’s why the pending offseason is critical.
“I think we’ve just kind of scratched the surface with him,” Blue Jackets coach Brad Larsen said. “He’s a young man. I’m excited for him to have a summer to really … we’re going to push him in training this summer and it’s going to be a real point of emphasis for him. But you can see what he can do.”
Boqvist’s goal-scoring rate of 0.26 per game is fourth-highest on the team, trailing only forwards Patrik Laine (0.52), Boone Jenner (0.39) and Oliver Bjorkstrand (0.37).
For perspective, forward Gustav Nyquist had 16 goals prior to facing the Islanders on Thursday and ranked fourth on the team in that category. Boqvist has a knack for offense that’s tantalizing, particularly on power plays.
“He’s a very dynamic player,” Larsen said. “I’ve said it several times. He shoots like a forward, like a skilled forward. He’s got great instincts, moves the puck really well, great outlet pass … but I really believe there’s a lot more in that tank.”
Improving for Boqvist requires strength gains, better injury luck and more zest in the defensive zone.
“I obviously know what I have to do to be a better hockey player in this league,” Boqvist said. “I have to be stronger, especially in the D-zone and stuff, but I think we all know … the (coaching) staff and the (front office)
know what I have to do myself, so it’s going to be an exciting end of the season here and exciting summer.”
Thursday’s game was just the 119th of Boqvist’s career, and most defensemen require a minimum of 300 games before reaching their peak levels. Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar (164 games) and the New York Rangers’ Adam Fox (190) — last year’s Norris Trophy winner — are exceptions.
“He’s got a ways to go for that, for me, as far as he’s got to get a whole lot stronger,” said Larsen, who feels Boqvist could learn from watching undersized Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon. “I think ‘Bo’ really wants to do the right thing. It’s just (that) we’ve got to put more fuel in that tank for him, and that will come, probably, in the summer. He offers a lot of things (other) guys can’t do, so there’s a lot of excitement with him and what his game could develop into.”