The Blackhawks have decided on a development path for the #8 overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Adam Boqvist signed a 3-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on July 1st.
what a feeling to sign my first nhl contract with @NHLBlackhawks ! want to thank my family, my teammates and coaches! Without you, it would not have been possible! see you soon Chicago ⚪️🔴😁 #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/pYxzeFWMlD
— Adam Boqvist (@BoqvistAdam) July 1, 2018
By signing Adam Boqvist to a 3-year entry level contract, the Blackhawks will have more say so in Boqvist’s development. Rather than let his Swedish team, Brynas IF, control where he plays next, the Blackhawks opted to sign their guy and have control over his career path. This will allow the Blackhawks to inject some figurative nitrous into Boqvist’s path to the NHL.
Adam Boqvist’s contract will be eligible to “slide” one year if he does not play more than 9 games with the Blackhawks during the 2018-19 season. This gives the Blackhawks contract control for an additional year.
Projecting a Timetable for Adam Boqvist
On July 5th, the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) announced that they signed Adam Boqvist, their 2nd round pick in the 2017 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft.
We have signed a member of our 2017 CHL Import Draft Class. Check out the #KWELogistics of the agreement!
INFO: https://t.co/S8KPK3jlt1 pic.twitter.com/Ahk57EYWSL
— London Knights (@GoLondonKnights) July 5, 2018
London Knights’ GM, Rob Simpson, expressed his excitement about Adam Boqvist signing on with the Knights.
“WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO RECEIVE THIS COMMITMENT FROM ADAM. ADAM WILL BE A VERY DYNAMIC AND ELECTRIC PLAYER IN THIS LEAGUE AND WE ARE EXCITED TO SEE HIM IN A KNIGHTS JERSEY AT BUDWEISER GARDENS.”
Rob Simpson then went on to express his gratitude to StanBo and the rest of the Blackhawks’ organization.
“WHEN WE DRAFTED ADAM LAST YEAR IN THE CHL IMPORT DRAFT, WE WERE VERY OPTIMISTIC THAT HE WOULD ONE DAY COME TO LONDON. WE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE STAN BOWMAN AND THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS ORGANIZATION IN AGREEING TO SEND HIM TO LONDON IN ORDER TO CONTINUE HIS DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS A SUCCESSFUL NHL CAREER.”
I believe Boqvist committing to playing in London next season is the right move for him. This way, there is no pressure for him to learn the North American hockey game on a smaller rink in a short amount of time. Also, another reason why it’s better is that now, there will be no pressure for him to produce right away in the bright lights of the NHL. StanBo & Co. got it right. Kudos to them.
If I had to project a realistic timetable for Adam Boqvist to make the NHL roster, 2-3 years is pretty reasonable. Maybe even as soon as next season. It just depends on how quickly Boqvist can adjust and learn the North American style of hockey. However, there is no reason to or benefit from rushing the kid into something he is not ready for.
The Blackhawks cannot afford a bust at this point in their rebuilding process. Yes, the Blackhawks are rebuilding. It’s okay though. If they do it the right way, it will only be for a short time. Just think 2011 and 2012 Blackhawks.
With how great the Blackhawks did in the 2018 NHL Draft, I have faith in a quick turnaround for the team. If you combine that with a healthy Crawford and a rebound season from the core guys, the Blackhawks may not suck for too much longer. There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, Blackhawks’ fans, just keep the faith and stay patient.
