Panthers Fill Cap With Adam Boqvist Signing – Hockey Writers – Panthers Transactions

The Florida Panthers enter the 2024 season as Stanley Cup champions for the first time in franchise history. They are looking to build a roster back to bring it back this season to have a chance to retain their title.

Like most free agency moments, there were pieces of the Panthers missing in the process. Especially on defense, they are without Brandon Montour, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and hope in Lucas Carlsson.

On the bright side, they are making moves to cover the loss. This includes bringing in Nate Schmidt and Tomas Nosek. But one move that could pay big dividends is signing defenseman Adam Boqvist to a one-year deal worth just $775,000. His offensive mind could make up for the missing piece with the departure of Montour and Ekman-Larsson.

Boqvist's career so far

Boqvist had high expectations for the NHL as he was drafted eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Besides, he only appeared in 76 games with Chicago, totaling 29 points (six goals, 23 assists) and a minus-10 average. This includes eight playoff games, in which he registered no points and posted a minus-5 average.

During the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, along with a first- and second-round pick in that same draft and a first- or second-round pick in the following draft, in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones.

Over the course of three seasons, he suited up in 133 games for Columbus. During that time, he scored 17 goals and assisted 39 others. Signing with the Panthers will be his third team in six seasons.

Reuniting with his brother Jesper

When he arrives in Broward County, Adam will be with his older brother forward Jesper Boqvist. He signed a one-year contract on July 1 worth $775,000.

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It will be the third time in franchise history that a set of brothers has been drafted, the first being the Bure brothers Pavel and Valeri in the 2001-02 season. Combined, they scored 67 points that season (30 goals, 37 assists). The second was the Staal brothers just two seasons ago with Eric and defenseman Mark. They tallied 44 regular season points (17 goals, 27 assists) and five playoff points (two goals, three assists).

Inexpensive pieces have worked well for Zito in the past

General manager Bill Zito has a habit of finding cheap pieces in the bargain bin and turning them into useful goods. This past season, Ekman-Larsson's move made him a Stanley Cup champion.

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One of the team's top defensemen in Gustav Forsling entered the fray as a waiver wire acquisition. Now, he will be a Panther for the next eight years. With Zito's track record, the ceiling is very high for Adam.

Is Boqvist Ready to Play Like a Champion?

A former top 10 pick who worked hard to match two other organizations has a great chance to revive his career. And this time, it will feature the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers. This could be just what the doctor ordered for Adam Boqvist.

He has shown signs of talent, which is one of the main reasons why he was so selected. If he can tap into that skill and show off his one-year contract, he could be a huge piece of the franchise's future and a chance to make his name in history.