First Round Targets: ADAM BOQVIST
By Nick Seguin
5 years agoIf Rasmus Dahlin wasn’t in the draft this year, Adam Boqvist would be the golden Swedish child. Standing at 5’11”, Boqvist is a dynamic right-handed defenseman with excellent offensive instincts.
From Falun, Sweden, Boqvist has played both at the international level and the professional level of Swedish hockey. His skating and vision are two qualities that will ensure he gets picked in the top-10 of this year’s draft.
THE RANKINGS
Ranked #11 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #7 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #9 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #9 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
THE STATS
Boqvist has represented the Swedes at the International level a lot and, for the most part, has been dominant. In 2017-18, he went almost a point-per-game through all the international tournaments, finishing short in only the U20s where he put up a single point in three games.
In the Swedish leagues, Boqvist played for 15 games for Brynas IF in the SHL (one point) and seven games for Almtuna IS in the Allsvenskan league (two points). Not a great offensive threat in Sweden’s two best leagues.
That being said, Boqvist, as a seventeen year old, was playing against professional men. When playing against his peers and own age group, Boqvist’s offense was on display, as he put up 24 points in 25 games in the SuperElit league in 2017-18 and 16 points in 18 games in the same league in 2016-17.
THE EYE TEST
Boqvist is a dynamic skater with great speed. He can transition out of his own end and rush back defensively when he gets caught on a pinch in the offensive zone.
He doesn’t often get caught on that pinch, though. Boqvist has great vision and can see a play unfold, making him able to insert himself successfully to break it up.
Offensively, he’s got a great shot and timing. He transitions quickly through the neutral zone and is always able to find open ice. He’s got the hands of a top-6 forward and can hold the blueline both at 5-on-5 and the power play.
Defensively, Boqvist uses his speed to stay one step ahead of the opposition’s offense. His lack of size makes it hard for him to win board battles, but he’ll continue to get stronger as he ages which will help with this. He’s still prone to some mistakes, but his game will quickly improve.
Failed to load video.
IS HE A MOTOR CITY MATCH?
100% yes. I love Boqvist as a match for Detroit. I may even like him more than Evan Bouchard or Quinn Hughes. He fills a huge gap that the team has on the blueline and would make a suffering power play much better.
That being said, Detroit should consider this draft a success if they land any one of Boqvist, Bouchard, or Hughes. It’s not hard this year with how deep this draft is.
ARTICLE BROUGHT TO YOU BY SPORTS EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1950, Sports Excellence Corporation represents over 150 family-owned independent hockey retailers across Canada and the United States. Our highly knowledgeable hockey specialists are available to assist all your equipment needs. Find your closest Sports Excellence retailer here: Find a location near you!
Recent articles from Nick Seguin
