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Blackhawks top defenseman prospect Adam Boqvist will make his NHL debut against the Kings on Saturday at Staples Center.
Boqvist, the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NHL draft, was recalled from the AHL on Thursday just one day after he scored his first professional goal in the Rockford IceHogs’ 6-2 home win over San Antonio. The 19-year-old had one goal, 14 shots and a plus-1 rating in six AHL games prior to his call up. He had 20 goals and 60 points with the London Knights in the OHL last season and 13 points (10 goals, three assists) in 11 playoff games.
Boqvist, a right-handed shot, will slot into the lineup for fellow Swede Erik Gustafsson, who will be a healthy scratch. Gustafsson had 17 goals and 60 points last season, but he has only four assists this season. Boqvist is expected to be paired with 36-year-old veteran Duncan Keith on the top pairing.
"So obviously we've got to communicate out there and have a good gap, all the little things that being a defenseman can make up, and see how it goes. Have fun out there and just be myself and try to help out him as much as I can."
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) November 1, 2019
Boqvist will be the first player from Chicago’s eight-player 2018 draft class to make their NHL debut. He can play nine or fewer NHL games until the Blackhawks will have to use the first year of his entry-level contract.
Puck drop for Saturday’s game is set for 9:30 p.m. Central time.