After career highs in goals (11) and points (22) last season, Adam Boqvist had no trouble extending his time with the Blue Jackets. The three-year contract Boqvist signed back in July will double his time in the NHL after two seasons in Chicago and one here in Columbus.
The former No. 8 overall pick still has a lot of time to grow and mature, but the 22-year-old certainly doesn't lack any two-way talent. The offense stands out, as his 11 tallies a season ago tied for sixth in CBJ history for defensemen in a single season.
"He's had an offensive game his whole life," head coach Brad Larsen said earlier this season. "You're learning at this level, especially when you get an elevated role, how hard it is to play those top lines every night. A lot of this will come in the summer, too, with conditioning and strengthening and understanding what it's going to take."
A couple of injuries limited Boqvist to a 52-game season last year, but that didn't stop him from almost doubling his career total in goals. Boqvist netted four his rookie year and two in his sophomore year.
The key for Boqvist when it comes to cementing himself as a key part of the CBJ blue line will be continuing to add to his game, including on the defensive end, where adding strength will allow him to continue to win puck battles at the highest level.
"There's certainly strides there," Larsen said. "We've had plenty of conversations with him as far as what we're looking for from him, and he's trying to do it. He's a real effective player when he's on his game, but I think there's still tons of room for him to improve, which is the exciting part."
