Boston Bruins Sign Young Depth Forward
The Boston Bruins have announced they are re-signing forward Jesper Boqvist to a new contract. He will be locked up for the next year and have an AAV of $775,000.
The Jesper Boqvist contract is official. Boqvist established himself as a solid NHLer this past season in New Jersey. The former second-round pick spent the entirety of the season with the Devils for the first time in his career. He scored 10 goals and added 11 assists for 21 points in a career-high 70 games.
Boqvist has played a good chunk of NHL games over his career despite not ever truly locking down a starting spot. Throughout 189 games, he has scored 28 goals and 27 assists. There is hope that he can tap more into his offensive potential and become a solid middle-six scoring winger.
A Breakout Year for Boqvist
This Jesper Boqvist contract is huge for both sides. Before coming into the 2022-23 season, Boqvist had been unable to lock down a spot in the lineup. He also struggled with his identity on the ice. As a skilled forward asked to play tough bottom-six minutes, Boqvist finally put it all together this year. Despite a lack of uptick in point totals, Boqvist developed his game to fit the more physical nature of a third liner. He was able to use his strong skating and hands to his benefit when he went into the corners and below the goal line. However, he still leaves more to be desired. He doesn’t play special teams and scored two fewer points in 14 more games
That being said, Boqvist’s play warrants him being on the NHL roster. In a pinch, he’s a great option to bring speed and skill to the third or fourth line. There is a chance that with a second season of regular game time, he can find a scoring touch and provide much-needed goal-scoring depth to this Bruins lineup. Worst case scenario he is a solid depth forward that can come in and out of the lineup when needed and still make an impact.
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Connor Clifton has a new contract. After spending his young career with the Boston Bruins, he has chosen to sign with the Buffalo Sabres. Clifton is locked in for the next three years and has a total value of $10 million per life of the contract.
This is an excellent day for Connor Clifton. After initially being drafted by the Arizona Coyotes, he has made a name for himself in Boston. Consistently, Clifton has played primarily on the third pair. There have been growing pains with the young defensemen, but he is coming off a career season.
Like younger guys like Jake DeBrusk and Trent Frederic, Clifton took off under new coach Jim Montgomery. Clifton had a career year across the board, scoring five goals, 18 assists, and 23 points. He got comfortable generating offence and is not afraid to be physical. He is a smaller guy but plays a big guy’s game. Clifton was second on the team in hits (208) and blocked 120 shots. However, one area that was evident all year and in the playoffs was his giveaways (47). Some were untimely, but that is part of the process.
As much as he may have wanted to stay in Boston, Connor Clifton earned this contract. Given the salary cap issues the Bruins ars facing, he secured his pay raise on the open market. He can build off the strong season he had and can bring that to his new club.
You can never have too much defensive depth. That is what the Connor Clifton means. Clifton is a depth defenseman that has shown growth and promise in his game. Pricing himself out of Boston has allowed this team to capitalize. Given his age and growth, he is an excellent piece of the puzzle.
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