NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Blackhawks got a 4-3 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night. But while the win was very much needed, it came at a price to Blackhawks defenseman Adam Boqvist.
Early in the first period, Boqvist took a puck to the mouth/jaw area after it deflected off of his stick. He headed to the dressing room but never returned to the game. After the game, Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton revealed that Boqvist was experiencing concussion-like symptoms.
Jeremy Colliton said Adam Boqvist is dealing with concussion symptoms. #Blackhawks
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 13, 2021
Boqvist has been having a quality second year of his NHL career, with 15 points in 31 games this season.
He missed a chunk of time earlier in the year due to a positive COVID-19 case, as well. Concussions are not something you want to hear from any player, let alone Boqvist, who has had multiple concussion incidents in his young career. The 20-year old dealt with a concussion late last season prior to the shutdown in March of 2020 and had two separate concussions during his 2017-18 season with Brynäs IF in the SHL.
Another look at Zac Dalpe's backhand shot hitting Adam Boqvist in the face. #Blackhawks #CBJ pic.twitter.com/oGrvta8Lri
— Brandon Cain (@brandonmcain) April 12, 2021
Although our primary concern is his well-being, now is a terrible time to lose a player like Boqvist for any significant stretch (if that is indeed what happens). He’s averaging 17:41 minutes per game, ranking eighth on the team and fifth amongst defensemen. His 15 points this season is tied for fifth on the active roster and leads all Chicago defensemen. Boqvist is also fourth on the team with eight powerplay points in 2021.
Nikita Zadorov, who was a healthy scratch on Monday night, will likely take his usual spot back in the lineup when the Blackhawks get back on the ice on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings, but if Boqvist is going to miss games due to the concussion symptoms, it will be interesting to see who Colliton uses to fill that spot. It’s possible Ian Mitchell or Nicolas Beaudin find their way back into the lineup, or Riley Stillman (who made his Blackhawks debut on Monday) could stay in the lineup for the time-being. Whatever the outcome, the hope is that Boqvist can make a full recovery and this incident doesn’t linger long-term. You never know with concussions.
