The Chicago Blackhawks are loaded with elite-level prospects. That tends to happen when you make eleven first-round picks over the course of four drafts. Combine that with some gems from the secondary rounds, and you have a top-notch farm system.
One of the players who helps make up this group is Sacha Boisvert. He was the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Since then, he has only gotten better. He looks like someone who will be a pro hockey player for a long time.
His first post-draft season had him at the University of North Dakota, where he was one of the best freshmen in the country. Boisvert had 18 goals and 14 assists for 32 points in 37 games.
Being close to a point per game player as an NCAA freshman is not easy work. It makes it even more impressive when you factor in the fact that he was a solid two-way center on top of his production. These offensive and defensive skills, when combined, translate well to the professional game.
There is a wrinkle in Boisvert’s development coming into 2025-26. He will be leaving North Dakota to play for Boston University.
At development camp, Boisvert confirmed that the firing of North Dakota coach Brad Berry was the reason he wanted to leave. Berry, of course, played a role in recruiting Boisvert in the first place. Boisvert admitted that there were "a lot of emotions" when he found out the news.
"He's gonna go there, he's going to play a huge role." Assistant General Manager of Player Development Mark Eaton said of Boisvert's transfer. "I know BU has been to the Frozen Four each of the last three or four years."
If he wasn't going to stay at North Dakota, he chose one of the other programs in the country that is on the same level as far as both winning and developing players. Jay Pandolfo, who has plenty of Frozen Four experience as a coach and player, will be a great mentor.
"I know Jay Pandolfo personally, [I] played with him," Eaton said. "I know what he's about and instilling pro habits in guys, playing a 200-foot game, being responsible on both sides of the puck. Sacha is that already, but it's just going to be driven home even further at BU. He's going to play a huge role on a good team, making deep runs."
The experience that a young player can learn from being on a team like that is invaluable. By the time he turns pro, whether it be in the AHL or NHL, he will have learned his trade well.
"I've said it in the past," Eaton continued. "There is nothing more valuable from a developmental standpoint than playing meaningful games down the stretch."
From the beginning of the season on, the Terriers will be playing meaningful games in an intensely competitive Hockey East. He will play in the Beanpot, the Hockey East Playoffs, and then the National Championship Tournament.
If he goes to BU and produces on a winning team, there will be a contract to sign so he can make his NHL debut whenever his college season ends. The type of player he is and the experiences he's likely to have in 2025-26 will get him ready to do just that.
