The New Jersey Devils announced that prospect Jesper Boqvist has signed a three-year entry-level contract. If Jesper Boqvist makes the New Jersey Devils roster out of camp, it can mean many things. The Devils would finally get their 2017 2nd-round pick into their organization.
Ray Shero has a guy that is fast, attacking, supportive, creative, athletic, and very intelligent like Boqvist in his arsenal. You now have Jesper Bratt, and Fabian Zetterlund who Jesper will likely see in camp this pre-season. It wouldn’t be surprised to see any of these three play on the NJ Devils 3rd and 4th line sometime this season. But what I will tell you is that there is room for growth and chemistry with the three Swedes.
Boqvist is a younger, and a bit more well rounded player than Marcus Johansson at his age. What you will notice about him is that he is very good at reading the open ice and looking for the pass. However he’s not afraid to take the shot. He also has some really quick hands on breakaways, and even shootouts. Just take a look at this.
Not only adding Boqvist to the Devils top six prior to drafting Jack Hughes add skill and depth, but this signing makes the Devils a very fast, dynamic, youthful, and more fun team to watch. If I am making a pitch to my fellow Devils fans about the upcoming season with this move it’s of many reasons.
The team is getting even younger.
Ray Shero made this team a lot faster.
Devils just added more skill.
The depth chart on center and wing is getting stronger.
We don’t need to draft Kaapo Kakko at RW because you have a left handed shot in Boqvist that can play wing.
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?
Shero can focus on picking a long-term center in Jack Hughes.
Hughes will likely be the playmaker on a top 6 center role along with Nico for 10-20 seasons.
Trust Ray Shero’s scouting department in The Nordic Countries for example: Jesper Bratt, Fabian Zetterlund, Aarne Talvitie, and Eetu Pakkila.
The Devils will be more dynamic and will be scoring more goals thanks to bring over Boqvist.
Boqvist is a player who Devils fans will have as a favorite once he starts scoring, and makes big playmaker moves with his athletic play
Now with those ten points about Jesper Boqvist, Ray Shero is onto something headed into the last 10 days until the NHL Draft. After the Stanley Cup Finals end on Wednesday, don’t be surprised if Ray Shero makes a trade very soon.
Ray is doing the right thing to do whatever he can to keep Taylor Hall. On the other hand Ray Shero is not going to undermine the principle of near and long term growth by trading too many assets away. That why I think dangling a 2nd and a 3rd in this draft, a Boston 2020 4th, and a Columbus 5h rounder for the 2022 draft will be interesting pieces to put on the table. Via CapFriendly.
However there is still more than Jesper Boqvist to build up the New Jersey Devils alone. But it’s going to be a very busy and a very productive offseason. This is why I still see more external moves like a move for PK Subban, and Olli Maatta as possible trade candidates to help increase the Devils defense corps. The Devils can score a lot of goals but adding a few really good defensemen can help guys like Boqvist, Hall, Hischier, and Palmier etc. to score more frequently and hold leads to win games.