As the New Jersey Devils wind down training camp, someone to keep an eye on is forward Jesper Boqvist. Boqvist continues to make a strong case to make the opening night roster with his play. In the Devils 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders this past weekend, Boqvist added to his resume with a two-goal performance. However, the young forward believes he still hasn’t done enough to make the roster just yet.
“I think I’m not there yet, but I’m getting better and better,” Boqvist told the media. “I’m getting more comfortable in the game and can do more stuff with the puck every game, and hopefully I can build on that.”
Making The Case
The Devils selected Boqvist in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft. He signed his entry-level deal this past summer and there has been a belief he can play in the NHL right now. Boqvist is playing in his first training camp with the team after spending the last two seasons in Sweden. He has shown his ability to transition to the smaller ice surface and better competition through multiple preseasons games and the Prospects Challenge.
“You’re starting to see him feel a little more natural with the way the game is played, and I think in the competitive areas of the ice, he’s done a good job of getting into and utilizing his skill and speed,” Devils coach John Hynes told the media. “But also understanding in the NHL or these types of games, you have to be able to play in the hard areas of the ice, and he’s done that.”
Showcasing His Talent
Everyone knows about Boqvist’s skill and speed with the puck. He has clearly shown that during his time on the ice playing in the preseason. However, there is another aspect to his game that was on display against the Islanders. His ability to have a net-front presence without the puck. Both of his goals came on the power play while keeping his feet moving in the slot. His first goal came off a rebound in front of the crease in the first period. The second goal came off a deflection in the slot in the third period.
As you see from the video, Boqvist moves into the slot as Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt pass the puck to each other. From there the Devils work the puck up top in the umbrella as Bratt and Will Butcher play keep away. While this is going on, Boqvist remains in the slot as the high point of the triangle. Bratt gets the puck and fires the puck towards Hischier in front. Hischier then tries to make a move on Thomas Greiss. As the puck comes off of Greiss, Boqvist slips in from his position to score on the rebound. That is great recognition by a young forward to see the puck is loose and pounce on it.
As the competition continues for roster spots, Boqvist remains in the discussion. If Boqvist continues his stellar play, the coaching staff has no choice but to include him on the roster.
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