Boisvert's NCAA journey sharpened his speed and maturity, creating a versatile offensive forward for Chicago.
The Blackhawks have a slew of young prospects in their organization. One of the brighter ones that I have seen as of is Sacha Boisvert, selected in the 1st Round (18th Overall) of 2024's NHL Draft. Boisvert played two seasons in the NCAA between North Dakota and Boston University, before turning pro at the end of this past NHL regular season.
Boisvert's soft hands allow him to launch powerful wrist shots or dish the puck to teammates while his imposing 6 foot 3, 190 pound frame lets him drive hard to the net. Having watched Boisvert for many years, he reminds me of a cross between Ryan Getzlaf and Nazem Kadri.
Mar 26, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Sacha Boisvert (12) takes a shot on goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesAs a Chicago native who worked with Boisvert during his time in Muskegon, I am elated for both the Blackhawks and Boisvert. The Trois-Rivières, Quebec native is an offensive yet physically versatile player with a knack for the net.
Catching up with Boisvert after Chicago's last regular season game, he highlighted two pieces of his game coming from his two institutions and conferences they play in.
"Hockey East (Boston University's conference) is very fast, so there's a lot of a transition game," said Boisvert. "It was a great year at North Dakota. I had a lot of fun there and had a lot of older guys that helped me mature in my game."
Boisvert showed intra-zone transition on his first NHL goal, going from a board battle to the slot before wiring the puck low blocker. The leadership older players imparted on Boisvert at North Dakota came to surface through a bout with Will Borgen in just his second NHL game. These two instances show how Boisvert is synthesizing the nuggets he collected while in college.
With the serving size of NHL action Boisvert saw this year, he has a clearer view of what his plans are going forward going into the offseason.
"I got a taste of the NHL now, so I kind of got an idea on what to work on," Boisvert explained. "I got closer with a lot of the staff here, so I'm going to be in contact with them. And obviously, I'll just keep working hard. I think a lot of great things are coming ahead."