Blackhawks prospect Sacha Boisvert becoming a threat, expected to join NHL team next season
Photo credit: North Dakota Athletics
The next big piece in the Chicago Blackhawks rebuild could go pro this season. He's been a verifiable force for the University of North Dakota.
Sacha Boisvert has gained notoriety lately, as he's been compared to Jonathan Toews for his 200-foot style of play.
Boisvert was picked 18th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, the same draft, and has the kind of frame as a Centerman NHL team's like.
He is tall, and if he puts muscle onto his frame, he should be able to handle the NHL quite easily, considering his background started with boxing.
He's kept up with the training he's familiar with, as he regularly worked out at his Dad's boxing gym in Quebec.
«He's a long, lanky body...but now he has the time to put on added strength and weight to play at the NHL level,» North Dakota coach Brad Berry said. «From when he came in in the summer...he's noticeably thicker.»
Said Boisvert: «A lot of good skaters in the NHL have strong cores, so that's one thing I've been doing.»
Said Boisvert: «A lot of good skaters in the NHL have strong cores, so that's one thing I've been doing.»
This season, the 6'2", 176-pound center has been on a tear during his freshman year with the University of North Dakota.
Boisvert led UND to a game-winning goal over Arizona State University which gave us a nice highlight.
«You always are interested to see how young players adapt and get up to speed on the college level from junior hockey, and Sacha has done an excellent job,» Berry said. "[He has] already embedded himself in our top six, and he's earned it. It wasn't given to him. He has worked extremely hard...and he's getting exponentially better every day.»
GM Kyle Davidson and the Hawks drafted him because of his well-rounded style of play, provided a gritty presence on the ice, and has a great shot.
This season, he's discovered his confidence and it's paid off.
«A huge part of being a hockey player is you have to be confident in yourself to make the plays that you want,» Boisvert said. «That hasn't been too much of an issue for me.
«I've been able to get my one-timer off in good places in the offensive zone [and found] good areas to get pucks. That's one thing...I keep working on. And then my vision has been translating pretty well. I've had a couple good passes, and I feel confident in the offensive zone, making plays and getting my shot off.»
«I've been able to get my one-timer off in good places in the offensive zone [and found] good areas to get pucks. That's one thing...I keep working on. And then my vision has been translating pretty well. I've had a couple good passes, and I feel confident in the offensive zone, making plays and getting my shot off.»
North Dakota Coach Brad Berry feels he's got to work on his core strength, and once that is improved his skating will. He'll be more than ready to hold his own, whether he ends up in Chicago or Rockford.
,q>"[Boisvert plays] at a high pace, but he's competitive on puck battles, and having that assertiveness sets him up to have the puck,» Berry said. «He makes good reads...distributing the puck, and he's got a high-end shot and release - that we're seeing not only five-on-five but on the power play, as well. He's becoming a threat every time he's on the ice.»
While we see Jonathan Toews used as a comparison often, there have also been mentions of Brock Boeser, or Shane Pinto as comparables.
Either way, the Blackhawks have a future NHLer in Sacha Boisvert who could be the right kind of center depth needed, with Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard lighting up the NHL at the moment.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 17 | 276 ANSWERS Blackhawks prospect Sacha Boisvert becoming a threat, expected to join NHL team next season Will center Sacha Boisvert make the Chicago Blackhawks roster next season? | ||
| Yes | 188 | 68.1 % |
| No | 88 | 31.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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