Jesper Boqvist (born 30 October 1998) is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Boqvist was selected 36th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
Boqvist made his Swedish Hockey League debut playing with Brynäs IF during the 2015–16 SHL season. On 16 May 2017, Boqvist agreed to extend his contract with Brynäs IF for a further two seasons through to 2019.[1] Boqvist was drafted 36th overall, in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, by the New Jersey Devils.
On 10 June 2019, Boqvist signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils.[2] Boqvist scored his first NHL career goal in a 3–2 loss against the Minnesota Wild on 26 November 2019.[3] Boqvist's goal, which tied the game 1–1 in the first period, caused controversy by the play of Wayne Simmonds. The Wild used its coach's challenge for the play, but the goal was allowed to stand. The NHL then issued a statement during the third period that the goal should not have been allowed.[3][4]
On 22 July 2022, Boqvist agreed to his qualifying offer with the Devils, re-signing to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2022–23 season.[5] He made a career high 70 appearances for the Devils and matched his previous season tally of 10 goals while adding 21 points to help the Devils return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
In the following off-season, Boqvist was not tendered a qualifying offer to remain with the Devils, releasing him as a free agent. On 12 July 2023, Boqvist agreed to a one-year, one-way $775,000 contract with the Boston Bruins for the 2023–24 season.[6]
Boqvist did not make the NHL Bruins out of the pre-season, instead being placed on waivers with the intent of being assigned to the Bruins AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins.[7] He cleared waivers and started the season on Providence.[8] Boqvist was recalled to the NHL team on 26 October 2023.[9] He would play one game before being sent back to Providence. This occurred again on 12 December 2023, where Boqvist was recalled, played one game, and then sent back down.[10][11] Boqvist would be recalled a third time on 6 January 2024.[12] This time, however, he would stick with the big club, finding a comfortable role on Boston's fourth line with his speed.[13] Boqvist scored his first as a Bruin on 9 January 2024 against the Arizona Coyotes. Boqvist scored his first NHL playoff point in Game 1 of the first round against the Toronto Maple Leafs, an assist on a goal by John Beecher.
After one year with Boston, Boqvist was not given a qualifying offer, making him a unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2024.[14] On that day, Boqvist signed a one-year, $775,000 deal with reigning champions, the Florida Panthers.[15]
Boqvist's younger brother Adam Boqvist is a defenceman for the Florida Panthers.[16]