Pending restricted free agent defenseman Adam Boqvist is closing in on an extension with the New York Islanders, per Ellliotte Friedman. We can confirm that report.
The 24-year-old, who was claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers on Jan. 31, recorded eight points (two goals, six assists) in 17 games with Long Island, averaging 14:04 minutes per game.
Boqvist elected to change his representation amidst contract talks. Previously represented by Peter Wallen of Alterno Global Management, according to a source, he is now a Newport client.
Newport also represents Bo Horvat, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Casey Cizikas.
On top of his mobility, Boqvist's offensive ability was something that head coach Patrick Roy saw value in, even electing to play him as a forward twice when Kyle MacLean and Hudson Fasching missed a game due to illness.
Like Mike Reilly and Tony DeAngelo, Boqvist fit into Roy's system perfectly.
The former eighth overall pick at the 2018 NHL Draft has had a tough time staying healthy through his first four NHL seasons, but this season, he was able to stay on the ice.
"I know what I can do and bring to this team," Boqvist said back on Feb. 25. Things were pretty hectic before the break with, like, waivers and stuff like that. So now I've settled in a little bit more, got to know the guys a little bit more better, so hopefully I feel even more comfortable out there."
This belief is that this extension will be a short-term deal, 2-3 years, at around $1 million annually, if that. His previous deal was for three years at $2.6 million total ($775k).
Boqvist's qualifying offer is $813,750. He is arbitration eligible.
The Islanders have a ton of decisions to make on their backend with Reilly and DeAngelo pending unrestricted free agents, as well as RFAs Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov in need of new deals.
Rookie Isaiah George also will likely be in the mix for a starting job in the fall.
There is some speculation that one of Scott Mayfield, Adam Pelech, or Ryan Pulock could be on the move, which would open up another opportunity for Boqvist to secure a job.
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