NHL Prospect Profile: Adam Boqvist

Statistics

Scout Quotes

A dynamic offensive defenceman that can carry plays with the puck on his stick. A highly mobile and nimble skater that moves with fluidity, balance, and confidence. Utilizes an active stick and creates turnovers frequently. Could be more proactive in his own end, but has shown progression in understanding lanes and reading unfolding plays; most of his best defensive work comes through the neutral zone, as there is a lot less time and space to work with, and it is in those moments that Boqvist shines.

Offensively, Boqvist is electric; he has the toolbox of a top line forward. Slick puckhandling ability paired with excellent vision and positional awareness makes him a dangerous threat every time he is on the ice. He also takes advantage of the attention and bodies he draws towards himself in creating space for teammates. All-in-all, Adam Boqvist is a complete offensive defenseman who knows how to get the puck from point A to the back of the net, and can make it happen all by himself. – Elite Prospects

Smooth-skating puck mover who plays with flair and grace while owning one of the hardest shots of any draft-eligible defenseman. Boqvist is an attack-first option who loves to use his speed and agility to dart and weave around opposing zone schemes. He can quarterback a power play with the best of them, and he’s not shy towards unloading his howitzer with or without shooting lanes being clogged. His puck skills — especially stick-handling — and play within the offensive zone are extraordinary, and he appears to have a firm grasp on how critical his job is as his team’s center of gravity. Boqvist has a lightning-quick first step and uses it to escape trouble or interdict an opposing pass. – The Draft Analyst

It is likely that Boqvist needs a bit more development time, as he needs to bulk up. He has struggled as a 17-year-old while playing in the Swedish Men’s leagues, and so making the jump to the NHL immediately seems unlikely. Expect to spend another year overseas, and to be a big part of the Swedish team at the World Juniors. Boqvist has all the tools and potential to be a franchise defenseman at the NHL level, he just needs time. – Last Word on Hockey

Highlights

Avalanche Fit

Boqvist would be a carbon copy of the Cale Makar pick. With Tyson Barrie at one level and Makar hoping to get there soon, Boqvist would be an unnecessary roll of the dice.

Rankings

#11 Hockey Prospect
#7 Future Considerations
#9 McKeen’s Hockey