Report: Blue Jackets place Boqvist on waivers for purpose of buyout
The Blue Jackets placed defenseman Adam Boqvist on unconditional waivers Sunday for the purpose of a buyout, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
If he clears waivers, the buyout will go as follows, per PuckPedia.
| Season | Initial cap hit | Buyout cap hit |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | $2.6M | -$66K |
| 2025-26 | N/A | $533K |
Because Boqvist is under 26 years old, it's a 1/3 buyout, which nets the Blue Jackets a small cap credit for the upcoming campaign.
Boqvist was a key part of the Blue Jackets' return package in the 2021 trade that sent Seth Jones to Chicago. The Blackhawks selected Boqvist eighth overall in 2018.
The 23-year-old struggled with injuries during his three seasons in Columbus, never playing more than 52 games. He boasts promising offensive ability but has struggled defensively.
Adam Boqvist will be bought out by CBJ. pic.twitter.com/5OEiehjsHa
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 30, 2024
Boqvist has averaged 34 points per 82 games in his five-year NHL career.
The Blue Jackets are deep on right defense with Damon Severson, Erik Gudbranson, and David Jiricek in place to round out the depth chart.
Columbus also reportedly won't issue a qualifying offer to restricted free-agent forward Alex Nylander, making him unrestricted. Nylander was a revelation for the Blue Jackets last season, scoring 11 goals in 23 games with the club down the stretch.
The club reportedly isn't expected to qualify defenseman Jake Bean, either.