In a significant move on January 31, 2025, the New York Islanders have claimed defenseman Adam Boqvist off waivers from the Florida Panthers. This transaction marks the third addition of a puck-moving defenseman to the Islanders’ roster in recent weeks, following the signings of Tony DeAngelo and the trade for Scott Perunovich. With the team facing the long-term absences of key players Noah Dobson, Ryan Pulock, and Mike Reilly, Boqvist’s arrival is expected to bolster the blue line.
Boqvist’s Recent Struggles
Prior to his waiver claim, Boqvist had not seen game action since January 6. He was a healthy scratch for the Panthers during their recent shutout victory against the Kings, marking his 11th consecutive game out of the lineup. The 24-year-old defenseman had participated in only 18 of Florida’s 52 games this season, struggling to find consistent playtime after starting strong with nine appearances in the first ten games.
A Promising Yet Challenging Career
Once considered one of the NHL’s top defensive prospects, Boqvist has faced challenges in his professional journey. After being selected eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Draft, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of the blockbuster deal for Seth Jones. In Columbus, he had a promising start, accumulating 46 points in 98 games over his first two seasons. However, his lack of physicality and inconsistent defensive metrics hindered his progression, ultimately leading to his buyout by the Blue Jackets before he signed with the Panthers on a one-year, league-minimum contract last summer.
Performance with the Panthers
During his brief tenure with the Panthers, Boqvist recorded six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in 18 games. However, his playing time diminished as he averaged just 10:48 of ice time per game, the lowest among Florida’s defensemen. Despite being given a chance on the power play, he struggled to hold his spot as Aaron Ekblad took over the top unit. His defensive metrics were also concerning, with a goals-against average of 3.4 per 60 minutes at even strength, the worst among his peers on the team.
Future Prospects
With his move to the Islanders, Boqvist seeks to revitalize his career and find a more permanent role on a competitive team. If he clears waivers and continues to play in the AHL for the Charlotte Checkers, it will be his first appearance in the league since the 2019-20 season while still with the Blackhawks. The Islanders will need to make roster adjustments to accommodate Boqvist, as his addition puts them over the 23-player limit.
