Former Blackhawk looks to return home as he's being traded:

In the midst of trade talks, former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Adam Boqvist is at the center of speculation as the Columbus Blue Jackets navigate their defensive lineup. With Damon Severson sidelined, the Blue Jackets faced a choice between Boqvist and Andrew Peeke, ultimately slotting Boqvist into a key role on the top defensive pairing.

At the time, Boqvist did not fit the Chicago Blackhawks' plans as they were in win-now mode, but now, in full on rebuild mode the Blackhawks have the cap space and strategic moves up their sleeve to bring a familiar face home.

As trade rumors swirl, the Blue Jackets are strategically showcasing Boqvist to enhance his market value. Initially starting the season as a healthy scratch and falling down the depth chart, Boqvist is now given an opportunity to shine in a more prominent role, potentially attracting interest from teams seeking defensive assets.

Amidst an abundance of NHL-quality defensemen in Columbus, the team is challenged with managing defensive depth. Boqvist, having been surpassed by David Jiricek earlier in the season, finds himself in a situation where increased playing time could boost his trade value. The Blue Jackets are actively exploring trade opportunities to optimize their defensive lineup.

Compared to Peeke, Boqvist, the younger defenseman with better underlying numbers, brings youthful potential and offensive skills to the table. The decision to showcase him in a more significant role suggests a deliberate effort to attract interest from teams in need of defensive reinforcements.

With the Blue Jackets currently struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the timing may be opportune for a trade involving Boqvist. As scouts closely monitor the team and other franchises seek defensive reinforcements, dealing Boqvist now could maximize returns for the Blue Jackets in a competitive trade landscape.

In the dynamic world of NHL trade discussions, the coming weeks will unveil whether these rumors materialize into a strategic move for the Blue Jackets and how Boqvist's role evolves in the lineup.