5 New Jersey Devils Who Need A Bounce-Back Season

Jesper Boqvist

Let’s start with the obvious. Jesper Boqvist had a rough 2021 season. He was expected to prove himself as a bonafide NHL player, but he didn’t really prove much of anything. He was inconsistent from shift to shift, he didn’t have any electric plays, his advanced stats were terrible, and he didn’t take advantage of his chance. Now, he seems like a long shot to make the opening night roster.

Dawson Mercer and Alexander Holtz seem to have passed him for spots on the roster despite being younger than Boqvist. They have been phenomenal in the preseason so far. Meanwhile, Boqvist has been quiet. He has zero points, he’s had zero individual high-danger chances, and he’s only averaging just over 12 minutes per game.

Last season, Boqvist got 28 games in the NHL and he scored 7 points. It’s not great, to say the least. He needs to get to at least half a point per game. Boqvist is going to get limited opportunities in the NHL this season unless there is an injury. He has to make the most of them. When he is in the AHL, he has to dominate. If he doesn’t show signs of improvement, the Devils might have to move on to other prospects.