The Florida Panthers have entered the 2024 offseason as Stanley Cup champions for the first time in franchise history. They are now focused on building a roster capable of defending their title this upcoming season.
As with most free agency periods, the Panthers had to part ways with some players. On defense, they lost Brandon Montour, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and prospect Lucas Carlsson.
However, the Panthers made some strategic moves to compensate for these losses, including bringing in Nate Schmidt and Tomas Nosek. A particularly promising move was signing defenseman Adam Boqvist to a one-year deal worth just $775,000. Boqvist’s offensive mindset could fill the gap left by the departures of Montour and Ekman-Larsson.
Boqvist’s Career So Far
Adam Boqvist was drafted eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, coming into the league with high expectations. Despite his potential, he played in just 76 games with Chicago, tallying 29 points (six goals, 23 assists) with a minus-10 rating. This included eight playoff games, where he recorded no points and a minus-5 rating.
In the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Boqvist was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets along with first and second-round picks in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones. Over three seasons with Columbus, he played in 133 games, scoring 17 goals and assisting on 39 others. The Panthers will be his third team in six seasons.
Reuniting With His Brother Jesper
In Broward County, Adam will join his older brother Jesper Boqvist, a forward who signed a one-year contract on July 1 worth $775,000.
This marks the third time in franchise history that a set of brothers will be rostered by the Panthers. The first instance was the Bure brothers, Pavel and Valeri, during the 2001-02 season, where they combined for 67 points (30 goals, 37 assists). The second was the Staal brothers, Eric and Mark, just two seasons ago, contributing 44 regular season points (17 goals, 27 assists) and five playoff points (two goals, three assists).
Low-Cost Pieces Have Worked Out Well for Zito Before
General Manager Bill Zito has a knack for finding low-cost players and turning them into valuable assets. Last season, the acquisition of Ekman-Larsson helped turn him into a Stanley Cup champion.
Gustav Forsling, one of the top defensemen on the team, was acquired via the waiver wire and is now set to be a Panther for the next eight years. Given Zito’s track record, the potential for Adam Boqvist is substantial.
Is Boqvist Ready to Play Like a Champion for a Champion?
As a former top-10 pick, Boqvist has struggled to fit into two other organizations but now has a significant opportunity to rejuvenate his career with the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers. This change of scenery could be just what he needs.
Boqvist has shown flashes of the talent that made him a high draft pick. If he can tap into that potential during his one-year deal, he could become a vital piece for the Panthers’ future and possibly secure his name in the annals of hockey history
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