Oct 12, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; Florida Panthers center Jesper Boqvist (70) waits for the face-off during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a2f1826f-6f15-49a4-a37a-0d29cd0b27e4.jpeg] Oct 12, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; Florida Panthers center Jesper Boqvist (70) waits for the face-off during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images) The annual Bill Masterton Trophy nominees are out. Every season, each of the 32 local chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers Association selects the Masterton nominees. The Bill Masterton Trophy is awarded annually to the player who for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game of hockey. This season, the Florida chapter of the PHWA selected Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist as their nominee. After spending time in both the NHL with the Boston Bruins and AHL in Providence last season, Boqvist signed a one-year prove-it deal with Florida during the offseason. Arriving on a new team with no guarantees for a roster spot, Boqvist got to work showing that he could be a valuable piece to Florida’s lineup. “Right from day one, everyone was so nice and welcoming,” said Boqvist. “Obviously it takes some time to get used to everything, but I feel like off the ice it was pretty much right away, and then obviously still working stuff on the ice, right? So it takes time, but it's been a lot of fun.” He’s played in all situations for Florida, on the left and the right, and shown that he can hold his own regardless of where he lines up. It was simply a matter of showing what he could do, but as Boqvist explains, he had to get the consistency down. “I feel like every player's road to where they're at is different, and for me, it's always try to stay patient and believe in myself,” he said. “I think I've shown in the past what I can bring to the team, but not long enough.” With a steady role in Florida’s high-speed, physical, defensive systems, Boqvist was able to show the Panthers coaching staff and front office how valuable he could be for the team. That’s why, almost eight months to the day after Boqvist signed his initial contract with the Panthers, Florida offered the young forward a two-year extension for double the average annual value of his first deal. He’s played 74 games with the Cats so far this season, putting up a career high 12 goals and matching his career high with 23 points. It may not have been the kind of success he envisioned back when he initially signed with Florida, but the belief in himself was always there. “I want to say yes, but obviously you don't want to jump too, too far ahead, right?” said Boqvist. “I just tried to take it day by day, game by game, but obviously it was something you were hoping for. I always had that hope to take steps, so I think I've done that so far, but I have more in me and it's going to be a lot of fun here down the stretch.” LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Lundell, Forsling help Panthers get back in win column with 3-1 victory over Toronto [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/lundell-forsling-help-panthers-get-back-in-win-column-with-3-1-victory-over-toronto] Key divisional matchup unfolds in Florida between Panthers, Maple Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/key-divisional-matchup-unfolds-in-florida-between-panthers-maple-leafs] 'We're just healing them': As Stanley Cup Playoffs near, Panthers could continue holding players out [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/were-just-healing-them-as-stanley-cup-playoffs-near-panthers-could-continue-holding-players-out] Three takeaways: Panthers making best of injuries, Puljujarvi has strong debut [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-panthers-making-best-of-injuries-puljujarvi-has-strong-debut] Panthers drop fifth straight, ending road trip with 2-1 loss in Detroit [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-drop-fourth-straight-ending-road-trip-with-2-1-loss-in-detroit]
