Adam Boqvist
2017-18 Team: Brynäs IF, SHL
Date of Birth: August 15, 2000 (17 years old)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 168 pounds
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
Elephant in the room: Adam Boqvist is small and young. Like Zadina, he comes from a European hockey family, in this case Sweden. His brother, Jesper, was drafted by the New Jersey Devils but is still playing in Sweden, on the same team as Adam.
Adam Boqvist is 100% in the new style of offensive defensemen — small and speedy with fantastic puck-moving skills. He’s highly mobile and nimble in how he skates. His play is fluid and balanced.
What’s interesting about the small youngster is he’s actually known for playing some defense. While his offensive skills are what catch people’s attention, Boqvist quietly works the neutral zone to take and drive puck possession.
I hope the Ottawa Senators snap up Boqvist. He could learn at the great Erik Karlsson’s knee how to be a dynamic offensive defenseman at the NHL level.
Next: Sabres Win Dahlin Sweepstakes
Naturally, any NHL team would be lucky to draft Rasmus Dahlin, and the Colorado Avalanche are no different. Of the other top-five prospects, though, I would most love to have seen big Andrei Svechnikov in burgundy and blue. But, the Avs would probably salivate over little Boqvist more.