Offensive Defenseman Emerges as a Target on Waivers for Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs
A potential defensive depth add for the Toronto Maple Leafs emerges that could spark the team's offense after hitting waivers.
Needing a potential defensive addition due to injuries throughout the season, one defenseman now placed on waivers could be a potential answer for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Now without Jani Hakanpaa due to injury, the Toronto Maple Leafs could use a cost-effective defenseman who provides skill.
One name now available for free could be an alluring option for the team to acquire off waivers.
This former first-round pick is looking for a new home after multiple bounces around the National Hockey League in recent years, while still being a young defenseman with the ability to bring offense to the table. But could he be a Toronto Maple Leaf?
Could Leafs Make A Waiver Claim For A Defenseman?
The Florida Panthers have placed defenseman Adam Boqvist on waivers.
A former first-round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, eight overall, Boqvist has struggled to be a top NHLer despite his high draft position.
Still just 24 years old, Boqvist has two goals and six points in 18 games played this season with the Panthers.
Boqvist has 25 goals and 91 points in 227 career NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, & Florida Panthers.
While his offensive game is capable, Boqvist has struggled to be impactful on the defensive end in the NHL, a problem that has persisted since he first came to the league.
Boqvist gained prominence after leasing all defensemen in points at the U18's with six points in six games for Sweden, who finished third.
The Toronto Maple Leafs usually favor larger players, and Boqvist at 6'0 and 180lbs isn't the biggest defenseman, but does have some value as a young offensive right-handed defenseman at just $775k, making him a cheap low-risk, high-reward option for a team like Toronto looking for offence.
Boqvist is a risky option who has struggled to take his game to the next level in the NHL, unable to adapt what made his game work from Sweden to North America.
Some Swedish defenders in recent years, especially on the smaller side, have struggled adapting to North American play, including first rounders Erik Brannstrom, Victor Soderstrom, & Tobias Bjornfot.
However, he could be an intriguing option if Toronto wants some offensive help, something that they lack except for their top defenseman in Morgan Rielly & Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
If Boqvist will get claimed or not is unknown, but he's a player who has the youth and offensive potential to succeed with the right system.
