New Jersey Devils: Can Jesper Boqvist Make The Jump This Season?
By Nick Villano
New Jersey Devils prospect Jesper Boqvist looked like he was a year away from making the NHL. After a lost year, how far is the Swedish prospect from making the jump?
Going into last season, New Jersey Devils fans were very high on their second-round pick Jesper Boqvist. The Swedish winger was a perfect mix of speed and great hands. He can turn on a dime and finesses the puck through the defense. It was insane how well Boqvist would fit into this system, and it felt like a miracle he fell to pick 36 of the NHL Draft.
It seemed like a matter of time before Boqvist was in the Devils lineup. He needed one full season in the Swedish Elite League, and he’d be ready to make a move to the NHL. That is, until last season actually happened.
Boqvist broke his wrist way back in September. It forced him to miss half the season before it really got started. When he was finally able to return, he was average at best. He scored just four goals in 23 games. That does not show just how skilled this forward is.
Boqvist’s agent told the Athletic back in June that Boqvist would be returning to Sweden this season after he lost last year. He believes that he could use another year to get mature, and to gain back lost time. Here’s the problem, it’s not entire up to his agent.
More from Pucks and Pitchforks
- Should New Jersey Devils Try Load Management With Vitek Vanecek?
- New Jersey Devils Will Prove That Last Year Wasn’t A Fluke
- New Jersey Devils: Luke Hughes’ Playmaking Will Outshine His Mistakes
- New Jersey Devils: Chase Stillman’s Performance Causes Concern
- Can Devils Fans Separate Zach Parise Heartbreak From Achievements?
Another Jesper, Jesper Bratt, did not believe he was going to make it to the Devils last season, but he did. Despite being a sixth-round pick the season prior, he made a major impact on this team. That shows the Devils are willing to think outside the box in order to fill out their roster.
The difference is Bratt was signed to an NHL entry deal. Boqvist would not only have to make the team, but then Ray Shero would have to sign him to a deal. That’s where Boqvist’s agent Peter Wallen has some power.
It seems very unlikely that Boqvist will make the Devils out of camp. He may actually need the year overseas, and that seems to be what his team wants. His other team, the Devils, may want to keep a closer eye on him now that he has a past with injuries.
The only thing that may be enticing is the Devils play the Edmonton Oilers on October 6th. That game is played in Gothenburg, Sweden. This is Boqvist’s home country. If he gets the chance to play in that game, it could be enough for him to sign a contract.
Either way, this player has too much skill not to showcase it in the NHL in the very near future.