Blackhawks: Three Takeaways from Adam Boqvist’s 2021 Season

2. Boqvist is not the clear-cut number one young defenseman.

I already mentioned how Boqvist could have been better off with some time in the AHL, not it is important to point out he is no longer that top guy. A year ago Boqvist was a leg up over everyone else. He and Kirby Dach were in a different league when it came to the prospects within the organization. Now I think Boqvist is back down to earth a little bit more.

The Blackhawks have potential defensemen like Ian Mitchell, Nicolas Beaudin, Wyatt Kalynuk, Riley Stillman, and Alec Regula all getting some time this past season. Honestly, I think I would rather see Kalynuk or Stillman over Boqvist when it comes to the team improving defensively.

While Boqvist might be the highest-drafted defenseman the team has, it is not about how high he is drafted it is about the success he can have with the team moving forward.

3. The potential is there offensively.

The Blackhawks are going to need all the help they can get the next couple of seasons. One thing this team needs is a defenseman that can put up 50 to 60 points during a season, and while Boqvist might not be there right now, he can get there eventually.

Adam Boqvist put up 16 points in 35 games with this team. He did so while only playing in 35 games and missing stretches of games along the way due to injuries. The Blackhawks’ future of the blue line depends on who can rise above the rest of the pack and deserves a spot on the team, and honestly, Boqvist cannot be counted out just yet.

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As long as Boqvist can get stronger and faster this off-season he will be in good shape next year. Young defensemen usually do not break into the league as quickly as Boqvist did, so now it is time for him to take things to the next level.