Adam Boqvist on waivers could mean a few things for Florida's blueline
The Florida Panthers made a roster move on Thursday, looking to send a second defenseman to the American Hockey League this week.
On Sunday, Florida sent blueliner Tobias Bjornfot to the AHL's Charlotte Checkers following Aaron Ekblad's return from injury.
That left seven defensemen on the Panthers roster: Ekblad, Gus Forsling, Niko Mikkola, Dmitry Kulikov, Nate Schmidt, Uvis Balinskis and Adam Boqvist.
It seems that Florida feels as long as their top six blueliners are healthy, that's the group they'll roll with.
That was certainly the message sent by Florida when they placed Boqvist on waivers Thursday.
Adam Boqvist (FLA) on waivers
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 30, 2025
Should he clear waivers, Boqvist would either head to AHL Charlotte or remain with the Panthers, though they would then have the option to send him down at any time.
The 24-year-old was given a good look out of training camp, starting the season quarterbacking Florida's top power play.
As the season progressed, Boqvist did not seem to hold the same favor of the coaching staff as some of his more veteran teammates, such as Schmidt and Balinskis.
Currently, Boqvist has played 18 games this season. He suited up for nine of Florida's first 10 contests back in October, but only nine of the 41 they've played since.
He has a cap hit this season for $775,000 and will be a restricted free agent upon its completion.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see another team put in a claim for the young, right-shooting defenseman.
Should that happen, Florida may also end up recalling Bjornfot to act as a seventh defenseman on the roster or wait to make another move until one is needed.
We will see how things play out Friday, and beyond.
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