TAMPA, Fla. — Another day, another new defenseman.
The Islanders claimed Adam Boqvist off waivers from the Panthers, adding another depth piece to the blue line — their third new defenseman in the past seven days.
Claiming Boqvist, a former Blue Jacket and Blackhawk who played 18 games with the Panthers this season, was prompted by Isaiah George’s recent struggles after the rookie was benched for the second half of Thursday’s win over the Flyers.
The Islanders added Adam Boqvist from Florida. NHLI via Getty ImagesGeorge was sent down to make room for Boqvist and looked to be hitting a wall recently.
The rookie has impressed with the Islanders since being called up in November but was benched in two consecutive games and was struggling to make decisions with the puck.
“Trying to learn each day,” George told The Post before Thursday’s 3-0 win over the Flyers. “There’s going to be ups and downs. Just stay positive and keep working.”
Dennis Cholowski has been a healthy scratch in five of the past six games, but it appears there is a path open for him to seize some playing time, with the Islanders having sent down another lefty in George.
Boqvist, who last played Jan. 6, is right-handed.
He has recorded two goals and four assists this season.
The Islanders did not practice Friday, so it’s unclear how coach Patrick Roy will choose to set his defensive pairs.
Boqvist never has been an everyday player for a team, with his career high in games played being 52 with the 2021-22 Blue Jackets.
Isaiah George has struggled recently. APThat is in part due to injuries, which contributed to his tenure with Columbus ending in a buyout.
Like the other defensemen the Islanders have brought in over the past week, Boqvist’s tool set primarily is seen as offensive and puck-moving.
He was the eighth-overall pick in 2018.
Marc Gatcomb said after Thursday’s win he most likely would give the puck from his first NHL goal to his parents.
“It’s awesome,” Gatcomb said. “It’s definitely something you dream about your whole life. It’s a special night I’ll never forget. Great play by Kyle [MacLean] there. I know Max [Tsyplakov] found him to send us both in. Great look, lot of happiness, lot of excitement.”
Marc Gatcomb celebrates his goal Thursday. APThe Islanders have not won a regular-season game in Tampa since Dec. 9, 2019.
If they do so Saturday, it will mark their first seven-game winning streak in four seasons, per team statistician Eric Hornick.
