Chicago Blackhawks: Adam Boqvist is Ready to Take Next Step

The Chicago Blackhawks’ top defensive prospect, Adam Boqvist, will be going pro in 2019-20.

The Chicago Blackhawks drafted defenseman Adam Boqvist with the 8th overall pick in 2018.

Adam Boqvist is destined to be a big part of the Chicago Blackhawks’ blue line, especially after the trade earlier this offseason that sent Henri Jokiharu to Buffalo.

The thing that is crazy about Boqvist is that he is only one year out from his draft. Boqvist is a very talented young player that the Blackhawks will be lucky to have on the blue line.

He is also a very fast skater, with some great offensive ability. Stan Bowman seems to agree, because the young forward is guaranteed to go pro this year.

For Boqvist, the Rockford IceHogs or Chicago Blackhawks will be a step up compared to the London Knights of the OHL. Even Alex DeBrincat needed a year in the developmental league before he turned to the NHL. The issue for Boqvist is that there are a lot of defensemen vying for a roster spot right now. The Blackhawks will have a very crowded blue line with Boqvist in the mix.

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Players like Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Connor Murphy, Calvin de Haan, Olli Maatta, and Erik Gustafsson all will be playing in the NHL all year. That is 6 defenseman right there.

Now, you do have the option to trade someone, but I don’t know how likely that is, especially at this time of year.

I believe Adam Boqvist will start the 2019-20 season in the AHL with the IceHogs. Then, maybe in December, he will get called up and help push the Blackhawks to a playoff spot. Injuries could also be a factor in how soon Boqvist gets NHL ice time. There are a lot of different variables that could affect when he makes his NHL debut.

We have talked about how the Blackhawks need to be patient with Adam Boqvist. You don’t want to burn Boqvist out or risk him injuring himself in a game that means nothing in his overarching career.

There is no doubt that Adam Boqvist has the talent to succeed in the NHL. He can also bring a lot of skill to the Chicago Blackhawks at a position of need. Just watch him pass the puck around earlier this offseason.

Chicago has a wonderful asset available in Adam Boqvist. The opportunity is there, so maybe the Blackhawks will use him this season or next season on the blue line. The big thing now is Boqvist is taking that next step and will become a pro in 2019-20.