The Chicago Blackhawks have been particularly captivated by Sacha Boisvert’s diverse skill set, making him a standout during the NHL Combine. This interest was further solidified last Friday when the Blackhawks selected Boisvert as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Mike Doneghey, Chicago’s director of amateur scouting, highlighted Boisvert’s summer boxing routine as a significant aspect of his competitive nature. Boisvert’s father owns a gym, contributing to his intensive training regime, which includes boxing and playing on the edge of competition.
Beyond his physical conditioning, Boisvert’s blend of competitiveness, skill, and shooting ability were key factors that influenced the Blackhawks’ decision to draft him. In the previous season, Boisvert demonstrated his prowess by scoring 36 goals in 61 games for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the United States Hockey League (USHL). This achievement marked the highest goal count for a UND recruit in the USHL since Jason Gregoire’s 37 goals in the 2007-08 season. Doneghey compared Boisvert’s statistics to those of notable players like Kyle Connor and Brock Boeser, emphasizing Boisvert’s similar impressive performance.
Boisvert’s versatility is a major asset. He is adept at playing various roles, including a shutdown position and participating in power plays, as evidenced by his role at Muskegon. This multifaceted skill set, combined with his strong faceoff abilities and overall good skill package, makes him a valuable addition to the team. As Chicago rebuilds following the departure of core members from its 2010, 2013, and 2015 Stanley Cup champion teams, Boisvert’s potential is seen as a key component of their future success. Boisvert will don the number 9 jersey at UND, a nod to former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, also a UND alumnus.
The Blackhawks have been strategically stockpiling talent, with eight first-round picks over the past three years. This includes the 2023 Calder Trophy winner, Connor Bedard, selected first overall in 2023, and other notable first-rounders such as defenseman Kevin Korchinski (2022), forward Frank Nazar III (2022), defenseman Sam Rinzel (2022), forward Oliver Moore (2023), defenseman Artyom Levshunov (2024), and forward Marek Vanacker (2024). Nazar recently signed with the Blackhawks after two years at Michigan, while Rinzel and Moore will be sophomores at Minnesota, and Levshunov has completed his freshman year at Michigan State.
Boisvert expressed enthusiasm about joining such a talented group, highlighting the promising future for Chicago and his aspirations to contribute to winning future Stanley Cups. He acknowledged the areas he needs to develop while at UND, including improving his skating and overall physical maturity. Boisvert is set to join the UND team in Grand Forks this month, ready to embark on the next step in his hockey career.
