Boqvist draws comparisons to Karlsson

Adam Boqvist doesn't mind the comparisons to Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson. He takes inspiration from them.
"I look up to Erik Karlsson very much," the 17-year-old defenseman said. "I look at a video before every one of my games. That's one ritual I have, watch Erik Karlsson tributes, a YouTube video."

It's not exactly like looking in a mirror for Boqvist, 17, when he watches Karlsson but it's close. Boqvist is 5-foot-11, 168 pounds, not far from what Karlsson was listed at in his draft year (5-11, 165). Boqvist, No. 2 on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of International skaters eligible for the 2018 NHL Draft, which will take place at American Airlines Center in
Dallas on June 22-23, plays a similar high-tempo, offensive minded game.
He had 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists) in 25 games with Brynas in Sweden's junior league, which earned him a 15-game callup for Brynas' team in the Swedish Hockey League. He capped his season by being named the best defenseman at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship after he had six points (three goals, three assists) in six games to help Sweden win the bronze medal.
In 2007-08, Karlsson's draft year, he dominated Sweden's junior league with Frolunda, made his SHL debut and was named the best defenseman at the 2008 World U-18s.
Karlsson was selected by the Senators with the No. 15 pick of the 2008 NHL Draft. It's doubtful Boqvist lasts that long.

"His hockey sense is very good," NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb said. "If you're not a good skater you can practice, if you're not strong enough you can practice. But the hockey sense is something you're born with."
What Boqvist wasn't born with is overwhelming size. The days of needing to be 6-3, 230 pounds to be a defenseman in the NHL are over, but Boqvist understands that he must get stronger to play the position successfully.
He signed a one-year contract to stay with Brynas full-time in the SHL next season and work on his game.
"I have lots of things I can work on in the [defensive] zone," he said. "Battles in the corner, in front of the net, be harder there, protect the goalie."
Boqvist knows how to play physical thanks in part to his older brother, New Jersey Devils prospect Jesper Boqvist.
"Of course we have much battles outside at the rink and home down in the garage," he said. "Everywhere."
Breaking up the fights usually was their father, Patric Boqvist, who coached his sons with the Hedemora minor hockey program.
Although some coach/parent relationships can have ups and downs, Boqvist said he enjoyed having his father behind the bench.

"It was pretty good for me," he said. "He gave more feedback to me than the others because I was a little better than the other guys on my team. I think it was good to have him there."
Boqvist planned to spend time at home in Sweden training before the draft, then will have family and friends with him in Dallas, including Jesper.
Adam was in Chicago when Jesper was selected in the second round (No. 36) of the 2017 NHL Draft by the Devils, and is looking forward to having a similar experience.
"I think I was more nervous than he was," Adam said. "That was so fun to see. Was sick to see."