What Will Happen With Adam Boqvist?

When Adam Boqvist was traded to Columbus in exchange for Seth Jones, Chicago Blackhawk fans were conflicted. Some wanted to keep the former #8 overall pick from 2018, while others wanted the known commodity in Jones. Columbus fans were upset about Jones not wanting to be in Columbus anymore, but most understood that the return the CBJ got for him was incredible. The Jackets got back Boqvist and picks that would end up being Cole Sillinger and David Jiricek. Not a bad return at all, just ask Blackhawk fans. 

Fast forward three years later, and only Sillinger has played any significant time for Columbus. David Jiricek has yet to get a foothold on the big roster, and Boqvist has been oft-injured. The good news is, that it's normal for young defensemen to take some time to solidify their spot in the NHL. Jiricek is only 20, and Boqvist is 23. There's still plenty of time for each guy to find his own. 

But for Boqvist, as talented as he is, injuries have plagued his career thus far. In the 2023-24 season alone, he suffered a shoulder strain, a concussion, and also, while minding his own business on the bench during a game, took a stray puck to the face, causing him to miss three games and lose multiple teeth. The poor kid just can't catch a break. Many fans have taken to social media and begged him to change his number from #27. That number is often associated with former Jacket Ryan Murray, who despite his best efforts, couldn't stay off of IR. Well fans, Boqvist has heard your concerns. During the Columbus exit interviews, he mentioned that pending team approval, he is going to change his number. Hopefully that helps.

But will he even be in Columbus to change his number? 

We often talk about the log jam of prospects on the blue line for Columbus. With Damon Severson and Erik Gudbranson also playing the right D spot, that only leaves one spot. Boqvist is joined by David Jiricek, Corson Ceulemans, and various others who can play both sides. The right side of the defensive prospect pool isn't very deep. This should be Boqvist's spot to lose. 

I've often argued that when healthy, Boqvist should be playing a lot. And by a lot, I mean maybe even running the top PP unit. Boqvist has an elite shot and can pass with the best of them. He rivals Zach Werenski in terms of his offensive playmaking ability. As with all young d-men, he needs to work on the defensive aspect of his game, but that can be said about any young blueliner. 

I believe that the right side should consist of Severson, Gudbranson, and Boqvist for the upcoming season, at least to start. On the left side, only Werenski is a guarantee.

Former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen held Boqvist out of a lot of games last season, choosing to rotate him, Andrew Peeke, and Jake Bean. Hopefully this season they choose to keep Boqvist in the lineup. If they really want to trade him, then play him and let him build his value. If he can get 65-70 games in next season, there's no reason why he shouldn't have 40 points. 

In his first season in Columbus, he played in 52 games, scored 11 goals and had 22 points. The following season he played in six fewer games, but had two more points. 

The talent is there, he just needs to stay healthy.

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