Adam Boqvist will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after the New York Islanders declined to extend a qualifying offer.
New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche confirmed the decision on June 29. The Swedish defenseman, selected eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL draft, had played 28 games for the Islanders last season and recorded four assists.
Boqvist has appeared in approximately 272 NHL games across stints with the Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers and Islanders. His time in North America has been marked by injuries.
The Islanders will instead focus on defenseman Isaiah George, who has played 37 NHL games over the past two seasons. Boqvist has previously expressed a desire to remain in North America despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.