Jesper Boqvist is back in New Jersey, and the Devils may have found a useful answer for the bottom six.
The move came as part of the trade that sent Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers, a deal that cleared the Devils’ $6 million cap hit and brought back Boqvist, Evan Rodrigues, and Ben Steeves. For a team that has spent the offseason reshaping its priorities for 2026-27, Boqvist’s return fits neatly into the larger plan: build depth, add stability, and make the playoffs the baseline.
That matters because New Jersey needed help down the lineup. After deciding not to tender a qualifying offer to Paul Cotter, the Devils had a hole to fill on the fourth line. Early roster projections point to Boqvist skating with Nick Bjugstad and Stefan Noesen, a setup that would give the club a more dependable presence in a spot that has been thin for the last few seasons.
Boqvist’s value starts with the kind of game he plays. He brings strong two-way instincts, speed, and versatility, and he has become a more polished player since his first four seasons in New Jersey.
He’s also coming off a rough scoring year, with 13 points in 73 games last season, but the Devils are looking for more than raw totals here. What they need is a steady, defense-first forward who can handle 5-on-5 minutes, pressure opponents, and help tilt the ice in the right direction.
His time with the Panthers added another layer to that profile. Boqvist developed a more aggressive forecheck, one that can cut off passing lanes and help win the puck back. That kind of work can lead to secondary scoring, but it also eases the burden on the Devils’ top players by giving the bottom six a stronger backbone.
There’s also the postseason piece, and that part of Boqvist’s resume stands out. He’s a Stanley Cup champion with three playoff trips and 27 games of experience.
He was part of New Jersey’s 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs run, appearing in six games. After that, he signed with the Boston Bruins and picked up one assist in their postseason the following year.
Then came his most recent run with Florida, where he won the Cup in 2025 after posting two goals and three assists in 13 games while moving between center and wing.
That background should matter for a Devils team that missed the playoffs last season and wants to climb back toward the top of the Eastern Conference. Boqvist brings discipline, toughness, and the kind of practical playoff know-how that can rub off on a lineup trying to harden itself.
There’s another advantage, too: familiarity. Boqvist already knows the room, and the reunion has clearly meant something to him.
“Watching them from afar has been a lot of fun. They’ve been growing a lot and how they can dominate games…They’re so hard to play against, so I’m happy to be back on the same side as them, for sure,” said Boqvist.
"Happy it was Jersey, excited to be back!," says #NJDevils Jesper Boqvist.
His game has changed since his first stint with the Devils. He’s now a more reliable center, and he brings a physical edge that should show up on the fourth line through hits, blocked shots, and board battles.
With one year left on his contract, this season carries real weight for him. If he can provide more offense while staying consistent in a bottom-six role, he could become a key piece for New Jersey moving forward.
The Devils still have work to do this offseason, but the direction is clear. General manager Sunny Mehta has already cleared cap space, extended important players, and added young talent, all while steering the roster toward sustainability over flash. There are still missing pieces to find, but Boqvist gives them a useful one right now.
Fans will have to wait until July 15 for the date of the 2026-27 home opener, with the full regular-season schedule set to be released the next day.
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