Panthers Forward Jesper Boqvist Nominated For 2024-25 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Florida chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) has named Florida Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist its nominee for the 2024-25 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Since 1968, the Masterton Trophy has been awarded to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

“It’s a huge honor,” Boqvist said of his nomination. “I really appreciate it.”

After signing a one-year, league minimum deal with the Florida Panthers last summer, Boqvist was on the bubble to make the defending Stanley Cup champions’ roster entering training camp.

Before joining the Panthers, Boqvist spent the 2023-24 season splitting time between Boston Bruins and its AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins.

A few injuries to forwards opened the path for someone to grab a job out of camp. Boqvist, then 25-years-old, seized the opportunity.

“I split the year [between the AHL and NHL] last year and going into the off season I didn’t know what was going on (with his future),” Boqvist said. “I think I took a good step mentally and was really ready to come here and go to work.”

“I think I’ve taken a couple steps this year — obviously [with] help from the coaching staff and teammates. It’s been a lot of fun so far and we have obviously a lot more work to do.”

With the regular season still ongoing, Boqvist has already hit multiple career-highs including goals (12) and games played (74). His 23 points on the season also ties a career-best.

Surpassing expectations many had for him entering this season, the Panthers rewarded Boqvist with a two-year, $3M contract extension — marking the first multi-year extension of the young Swede’s career.

“Right from day one I feel like everyone was so nice and welcoming,” Boqvist reflected on first joining the Panthers. “It takes some time to get used to everything but I feel like off the ice it was pretty much right away (he felt like Florida was the right choice).”

All 32 local PHWA chapters select one player from the team they cover as its nominee for the Masterton. The 32 nominees will be narrowed down to three finalists.

Florida’s PHWA chapter has five total members.