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 latest struggles after the rookie was benched for the second half of Thursday’s win over the Flyers.
George was despatched all the way down to make room for Boqvist and hitting a wall lately. The rookie has impressed with the Islanders since being referred to as up in November, however had been benched in two consecutive video games and was struggling to make choices with the puck.
“Attempting to study every day,” George advised The Put up earlier than Thursday’s 3-0 win over the Flyers. “There’s gonna be ups and downs. Simply keep constructive and preserve 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 objectives and 4 assists this season.
The Islanders didn’t observe 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 crew, together 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 during the last 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 definitely give the puck from his first NHL purpose to his mother and father.
“It’s superior,” Gatcomb stated. “It’s positively one thing you dream about your entire life. It’s a particular evening I’ll always remember. Nice play by Kyle [MacLean] there. I do know Max [Tsyplakov] discovered him to ship us each in. Nice look, lot of happiness, lot of pleasure.”
The Islanders haven’t gained a regular-season sport in Tampa since Dec. 9, 2019.
In the event that they accomplish that Saturday, it should mark their first seven-game profitable streak in 4 seasons, per crew statistician Eric Hornick.