The Florida Panthers secured another key piece for their future.
On Tuesday, the club announced that it had signed center Jesper Boqvist to a two-year, $3 million contract extension with an average annual value of $1.5 million.
The 26-year-old is enjoying the best campaign of his NHL career. He has scored a career-high 12 goals this season and has already registered 22 points through 59 games with the reigning Stanley Cup champions.
J-Bo for two mo' 👏
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 4, 2025
We’ve agreed to terms with Jesper Boqvist on a two-year contract extension through the 2026-27 season!
✍️ » https://t.co/EhSuxbjTFE pic.twitter.com/KED0FkNHbg
Upon re-signing, he is just one point off his career-best NHL points total of 10 goals and 23 points he hit with the New Jersey Devils in 56 games in 2021-22.
This season, 11 of his goals have come at even strength, making him the third-highest goalscoring Panthers forward in that category, posting three game-winning goals, and averaging 13 minutes of ice time each game.
The Falun, Sweden native was originally selected by the Devils 36th overall in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft before playing 189 regular season games with the club. An unrestricted free agent in 2023-24, he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins for $775,000.
He joined the Panthers on July 2, 2024, signing an identical deal to the one in Boston.
Boqvist has played 295 regular-season games throughout his NHL career, scoring 46 goals and 91 points. Additionally, he’s suited up for the Bruins and Devils AHL organizations, playing 65 games with the Binghampton Devils, Utica Comets and Providence Bruins.
“Jesper has proven to be a highly competitive and dynamic forward who can be used in all situations,” said Panthers GM and president of hockey operations, Bill Zito. “He fits seamlessly with our group, and we are excited to have him continue his career with the Florida Panthers.”
The Panthers sit second in the Atlantic Division on 79 points through 62 games and a record of 38-21-3, only trailing the division-leading Toronto Maple Leafs, who have played one less game. As the hunt for Stanley Cup Playoff seeding continues, the Panthers hit the ice on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.