If Ottawa does take Boqvist, it won't be to replace Karlsson. I don't think this kid will be in the NHL for a couple years atleast.
Based on what I've seen, Boqvist is definitely a project, he's no sure thing and is a bit of a risk in the top 5(where you're trying to draft a sure-fire NHLer).
For me, there are only three players that could play in the NHL next season: Dahlin, Svechnikov and Tkachuk. Zadina would be a maybe, but I think he would be better off spending another year in junior or the AHL. Boqvist would be a long term prospect for me.
Just a reply on that. I think Boqvist could develop very much the same way as Erik Karlsson, given the chance. EK65 had very limited icetime in the SHL, went to NHL and had 60 games and 26 points the following year. Both players really need a lot of ice time to be able to play their style of hockey.
This time a year could also be a good time to reflect in what Boqvist achieved internationally during his last 2 years. So, in 5 tourneys this is what we got:
- Boqvist had most points by a D-man in 4 of 5 tourneys
- He had most points (and goals) of any player in one and the second most in another.
- During this season, in 18 games he has only been on the ice a couple of times on goal against and is +14.
Almost every goal and assist has been decisive for the outcome of that game (including several game winning goals). Here´s a couple of reminders:
- Game winning goal against Canada in WorldU17 final
- Hat trick against Finland in 5-nations in Brno 2017 (leading to tournament victory)
- 2 assists and game winning penalty shot against the Czechs in Brno 2017
- Equalizer and assist against Russia in Bronze game in Ivan Hlinka
- Equalizer and goal against Canada in U18VM
In my mind it´s hard to find a better CV in this draft class for being a player that brings he´s best in important games.