The Blackhawks will use the first year of Adam Boqvist’s entry-level contract when the defenseman plays his 10th game Sunday against the Wild at the United Center.
The 19-year-old was one game shy of the 10-game mark prior to Sunday’s game with one goal and one assist during his rookie season. The Blackhawks called him up from the AHL in part due to his play and injuries to Chicago’s blue line. If the Blackhawks’ defensemen were healthy, Boqvist likely would’ve remained with the Rockford IceHogs for longer.
Boqvist joins 18-year-old center Kirby Dach as rookies the Blackhawks have used the first year of their contract. Both players were eligible to be loaned out to their respective country’s national team for the World Junior Championship later this month in the Czech Republic, but the Blackhawks decided against it.
Both players are now set to become restricted free agents after the 2021-22 season.