Jesper Boqvist spent the 2023-24 season with the Boston Bruins. After spending most of the start of the campaign in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, Boqvist cemented himself as a spot on Boston's roster in January. From there, he proved to be a solid depth forward for the Black and Gold.
In 47 regular-season games for the Bruins in 2023-24, he posted six goals, 14 points, 71 hits, and a plus-12 rating. Overall, he did his job when called upon, but the Bruins elected not to issue him a qualifying offer during the 2024 NHL off-season. From there, he became an unrestricted free agent and signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Florida Panthers.
The Bruins' decision to let Boqvist walk in free agency is one that certainly looks like a mistake today. Boqvist became a nice part of the Panthers' roster this season, posting 12 goals, 23 points, and an impressive 191 hits in 78 games. Due to his solid first year with the Panthers, he earned a two-year, $3 million contract extension with the club, which will keep him in Florida until the completion of the 2026-27 season.
Boqvist has also made an impact for the Panthers during this post-season, too. In 10 playoff games for Florida thus far, he has two goals, five points, and a plus-1 rating. This includes recording a goal and recording two assists in the Panthers' 6-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final.
Overall, with how Boqvist has played in Florida this season, the Bruins' decision not to bring him back is looking more questionable. This is especially so when noting that the Panthers are one of the Bruins' top rivals.
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