Jim Montgomery Explains Bruins’ Decision To Recall forward

Boston Bruins forward Jesper Boqvist may have the opportunity to face his former team, the New Jersey Devils, on Wednesday night. This chance comes as Pavel Zacha and Charlie McAvoy are sidelined due to injuries, leading to Boqvist’s recall by the Bruins. Boqvist demonstrated strong performances in 24 games with Boston’s AHL affiliate in Providence this season, registering five goals and nine assists.

Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery expressed satisfaction with Boqvist’s recent form, contributing to his decision to bring him up to the NHL. Montgomery also highlighted another motivating factor for Boqvist’s potential inclusion in the lineup against the Devils—he spent his first four NHL seasons with the Devils before joining Boston in the offseason as a free agent.

Montgomery stated, “There’s a lot of players playing well right now down in Providence. A little bit is how well he’s playing, and also it’s New Jersey and that’s where he played. I always find that guys dig in and want to show the other team why they could have kept them.”

Boqvist, who played 189 games for the Devils, recording 28 goals and 27 assists, might not be guaranteed to play against the Devils. Competition for minutes on Boston’s fourth line includes Johnny Beecher, Jakub Lauko, and Oskar Steen. With Boqvist in the mix, Montgomery faces a decision regarding the lineup. Boqvist, having played one game for the Bruins in late October, is seen as a versatile player, which enhances his chances for another opportunity.

Montgomery noted, “He’s very versatile. So, he can play anywhere. That’s another reason.”