Blackhawks Sign Controversial Prospect To Immediately Hit NHL Ranks
With his team in a win-or-go-home playoff game against Vermont last weekend, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Sacha Boisvert was scratched, making headlines around the Blackhawks’ social media community. The Boston University staff was notably vague, allowing rumors to run rampant, including reports of locker room problems for the 19-year-old. Later, Mike McMahon of College Hockey News reported that Boisvert was late to a team workout earlier in the week, which was not his first infraction.
On Monday, Boisvert was again in the news. This time, it was because he signed his entry-level contract, as expected, after his Terriers lost in the Hockey East tournament. He’ll draw into the Blackhawks’ lineup as soon as his visa issues are resolved—he won’t play Tuesday night, but could travel with the team to Minnesota Thursday or make his home debut on Friday.
Boisvert was drafted 18th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft as an exciting combination of skill and size—he’s 6-foot-3, 185 pounds. After he was drafted, Boisvert played at the University of North Dakota and was the NCHC Rookie of the Year. Amid a UND coaching change, he transferred to BU, where his play left a bit to be desired. He scored three times in 26 games and dealt with some injuries. The good news for the 2026 Blackhawks is that he was also suspended for fighting this season, so Chicago will be getting a bit more enforcement.
Boisvert has become a bit of a controversial prospect this year, with his healthy scratch putting the cherry on top of the debate. He was brimming with potential at UND, but has some work to do to become a top-six forward. One would imagine the Blackhawks will burn the first year of his ELC to get him as many as 15 games of NHL action, so they should get a look at him before the summer break.
Head coach Jeff Blashill said that they’ll “slowly” ease Boisvert in, but that he’ll have to “earn it.” Boisvert will wear number 12, and his locker will be right next to Connor Bedard’s.