Adam Boqvist Stayed Patient Through Chaos — Now He’s Part Of Islanders’ Playoff Push
After being passed over multiple times, Adam Boqvist stayed ready. Now, he’s playing a key role for the Islanders when it matters most.
ELMONT, NY — After appearing in 17 games for the New York Islanders following a waiver claim from the Florida Panthers on Jan. 31, 2025, defenseman Adam Boqvist — a restricted free agent — signed a one-year deal worth $850,000.
Given how the 2025–26 season ended — with veteran Scott Mayfield frequently a healthy scratch down the stretch — there was a belief Boqvist could earn a larger role in his first full season on Long Island.
However, that notion quickly faded.
Mayfield, who still has four years remaining on his seven-year deal, not only reclaimed a regular role but was tasked with mentoring No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer. That left Boqvist as the team’s seventh defenseman to open the season — a likely outcome, but still a limiting one.
As is often the case in hockey, opportunity would have to come through injury.
When Alexander Romanov suffered his first injury of the season on Oct. 16, Boqvist got his chance. He played two games on his off-side (left defense), but instead of sticking with him, general manager Mathieu Darche recalled Marshall Warren from Bridgeport.
Boqvist returned to the press box.
Warren played the next two games before Boqvist re-entered for one, then Romanov returned — pushing him back out again.
Soon after, Boqvist saw brief action when Mayfield missed two games for the birth of his daughter.
Then came a bigger opening.