Meet the Future Face of the Blackhawks and Savior of the Defense

Say hello to the future face of the Blackhawks and the savior of the defense -- Adam Boqvist. Boqvist has been setting the OHL on fire lately. He had a fantastic 1st regular season with the London Knights of the OHL. During the regular season, Boqvist tallied 60 points (20G, 40A) with a 12 ± rating which is great for his 1st season of North American hockey, after coming over from the SHL. Also, in the past 6 periods of OHL playoff hockey, he has 7 points (6G, 1A) in 4 playoff games. 4 of those goals came in 1 game. Feast your eyes on the beauty they call Adam Boqvist.

#Blackhawks prospect, Adam Boqvist, with an UNBELIEVABLE game last night for the @GoLondonKnights!

Boqvist lit the lamp 4 times! 3PPG and the GWG... The future is bright 🤩#HockeyTwitter #OHLPlayoffs #NHL pic.twitter.com/Vqj0LkkoiO — ✶ ✶Tony G✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) March 27, 2019

#Blackhawks prospect Adam Boqvist lights the lamp 2 more times tonight. Boqvist has 6 goals in the last 6 periods of hockey. He is too electric to not play in the #NHL next season 🔥#HockeyTwitter #BattleReady #OHLPlayoffs #OHL pic.twitter.com/I1m43Kv9nb

— ✶ ✶Tony G✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) March 29, 2019

When Can We Expect to See Adam Boqvist In a Blackhawks Sweater?

Honestly, I believe we could see Adam Boqvist in a Blackhawks sweater next season. I came to this conclusion after seeing his performance with the London Knights this season, and because Boqvist almost made the NHL roster out of training camp this season. I expect Jeremy Colliton to give him every possible chance to make the NHL roster next season, because Boqvist fits Colliton's schemes really well. If he almost made the NHL roster under Coach Q, who rarely played young guys and actually gave him the nickname "Boqie", then I like Boqvist's chances to be on the Blackhawks' opening day roster under Colliton.

Adam Boqvist not going back to London right away. He will stay with #Blackhawks. Joel Quenneville even went as far as to say he wouldn’t rule out him starting the season in Chicago. They want to see more.

— Chris Wescott (@TheChrisWescott) September 21, 2018

Take a look at his body of work in the OHL with the London Knights and his rapid rate of development. It's definitely not out of the question to think Adam Boqvist laces his skates up with the Blackhawks next season. Adam Boqvist's Career Stats: Erik Gustafsson has had a huge impact this season with 55 points (16G, 39A) in 74 games, as mainly an offensive defenseman. Adam Boqvist can easily come in and have success as well, especially considering he's a more skilled player than Gustafsson and has a much higher ceiling. To help Boqvist adjust to the NHL speed, tempo, and physicality, I could see Jeremy Colliton pairing him up with a more defensively responsible defenseman like Connor Murphy.

Honorable Mention

Recently signed defenseman, Chad Krys, is already making a name for himself and making his presence known with the Rockford IceHogs. Like Adam Boqvist, Chad Krys is also a very gifted offensive defenseman with great skating, and playmaking and puckhandling abilities. Krys' elite skills were on full display during his 1st game with the Rockford IceHogs.

CHAD KRYS IS MAKING THINGS HAPPEN!!!!! 👀🔥

LOOK AT THAT STEAL AND THE PASS... OH GOD 🤤🤩#Blackhawks #HockeyTwitter #NHL pic.twitter.com/VlQDXGLQLN — ✶ ✶Tony G✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) March 28, 2019

I really like how the Blackhawks' future defensemen core is looking right now. I am not going to judge you, if you are upset and angry with the Blackhawks right now, but just try to keep an open mind. The future is going to be blindingly bright, thanks to players like Adam Boqvist, Chad Krys, and more. We will start to see big changes come into effect next season, and personally, I can't wait. For more Blackhawks news and updates, follow the author @Certified_TonyG on Twitter. Check out a new Blackhawks podcast featuring Jack Bushman and Tony Gianares, Talkin’ Hawkey, on Apple Podcasts and Anchor.