TAMPA, Fla. — One other day, one other new defenseman.
The Islanders claimed Adam Boqvist off waivers from the Panthers, including one other depth piece to their blue line — their third new defenseman within the final seven days.
Claiming Boqvist, a former Blue Jacket and Blackhawk who performed 18 video games with the Panthers this season, was prompted by Isaiah George’s current struggles after the rookie was benched for the second half of Thursday’s win over the Flyers.
George was despatched right down to make room for Boqvist and seemed to be hitting a wall not too long ago. The rookie has impressed with the Islanders since being known as up in November, however had been benched in two consecutive video games and was struggling to make selections with the puck.
“Trying to learn each day,” George advised The Put up earlier than Thursday’s 3-0 win over the Flyers. “There’s gonna be ups and downs. Just stay positive and keep working.”
Dennis Cholowski has been a wholesome scratch in 5 of the final six video games, but it surely seems that there’s a path open for him to grab some enjoying time, with the Islanders having despatched down one other lefty in George.
Boqvist, who final performed on Jan. 6, is right-handed. He has recorded two targets and 4 assists this season.
The Islanders didn’t apply Friday, so it’s unclear how coach Patrick Roy will select to set his defensive pairs.
Boqvist has by no means been an on a regular basis participant for a group, along with his career-high in video games performed being 52 with the 2021-22 Blue Jackets. That’s partially resulting from accidents, which contributed to his tenure with Columbus ending in a buyout.
Like the opposite defensemen the Islanders have introduced in over the past week, Boqvist’s toolset is primarily seen as offensive and puck-moving. He was the eighth general decide in 2018.
Marc Gatcomb stated after Thursday’s win that he would most probably give the puck from his first NHL aim to his dad and mom.
“It’s awesome,” Gatcomb stated. “It’s definitely something you dream about your whole life. It’s a special night I’ll never forget. Great play by Kyle [MacLean] there. I know Max [Tsyplakov] found him to send us both in. Great look, lot of happiness, lot of excitement.”
The Islanders haven’t gained a regular-season sport in Tampa since Dec. 9, 2019.
In the event that they achieve this Saturday, it can mark their first seven-game profitable streak in 4 seasons, per group statistician Eric Hornick.
