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What to Expect From Adam Boqvist in Chicago Blackhawks Debut

By Tony Gianares

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 18: Adam Boqvist #27 (R) and Duncan Keith #2 of the Chicago Blackhawks turn to attack against the Detroit Red Wings during a preseason game at the United Center on September 18, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 18: Adam Boqvist #27 (R) and Duncan Keith #2 of the Chicago Blackhawks turn to attack against the Detroit Red Wings during a preseason game at the United Center on September 18, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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What can we expect to see from Adam Boqvist in his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks?

Tonight, Adam Boqvist is set to make his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks when they faceoff against the Los Angeles Kings in LA. This moment is symbolic for a couple of reasons. By re-calling Boqvist, management is sending the message that the future is now for the Blackhawks. A much-needed youth movement is finally starting.

The second reason being that a defenseman could be on his way out, if Boqvist sticks in the NHL. Of course, Adam Boqvist could always be re-assigned to the Rockford IceHogs before he plays 9 games in the NHL to avoid burning the first year of his contract. Boqvist’s presence in the NHL is bad for the other defenseman, especially two of them.

Two current defensemen could possibly be moved now, Brent Seabrook and Erik Gustafsson. Seabrook was scratched in the Blackhawks last 2 games and voiced his obvious frustrations. He will be back in the lineup tonight.

Gustafsson has just been downright awful this season. He no longer provides the team with the same offensive spark that we saw last season and he has been nonexistent on the power play. Gustafsson is actually out of the lineup for tonight’s game, so the writing could very well be on the wall for him.

Where Will Adam Boqvist Play Tonight?

Adam Boqvist has been confirmed to start tonight against the Kings. That leaves Blackhawks fans with one burning question: where will Boqvist play? Well, if you go by what we saw in yesterday’s practice, then expect to see Adam Boqvist playing alongside Duncan Keith on the 1st defensive pairing. Boqvist is also going to get a crack at the 2nd power-play unit, which looks good on paper.

https://twitter.com/Certified_TonyG/status/1190368261189382145

Keith has taken on a mentor role with Boqvist, as he was spotted giving Adam some pointers. You love to see this. It shows that Keith sees the potential in Boqvist and wants to take the time to guide him in his development. Also, it is sort of a passing of the torch moment.

https://twitter.com/Certified_TonyG/status/1190400453571428358

My Expectations for Adam Boqvist Tonight

In Adam Boqvist’s first-ever NHL game with the Chicago Blackhawks, I am going to temper my expectations but I am also really excited. We may see a conservative Boqvist or we may see him go all out and just set the rink ablaze. He has that type of game-breaking talent. Boqvist recently scored his 1st AHL goal with the IceHogs and it was a beaut. How about the feed from Nicolas Beaudin too?

Don’t be surprised if you see the Los Angeles Kings dump the puck in when Boqvist is on the ice. They will try to force him to make defensive zone turnovers and bump him off the puck every chance they get. It was nice to see Boqvist working on retrieving dump-ins during practice yesterday, so the Blackhawks are at least aware of the Kings’ likely gameplan.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to see my favorite Chicago Blackhawks prospect take the ice tonight against the Los Angeles Kings. Of course, I will be wearing my Adam Boqvist Blackhawks jersey as well. Good luck to Boq-ie and the Blackhawks.

Let’s get a W and get back on track. We can’t afford to waste any more time. I also don’t want to research the top 10 prospects in the 2020 NHL Draft yet, so please help me out. What do you say?

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