With the Chicago Blackhawks‘ regular season winding down and their final game on April 15, the excitement centers on the new prospects making their debuts. It’s always entertaining to see prospects get their feet wet, and the Blackhawks have had two prospects make their NHL debuts in the last month: Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert.
Boisvert was a Blackhawks first-round draft pick in 2024 and came from Boston University. His NHL debut was delayed due to visa issues, so even though he signed his entry-level contract on March 16, he made his Blackhawks debut on March 26 against the Philadelphia Flyers. He has mainly played a fourth-line center role in six games.
So, let’s get to know the 20-year-old forward better. Here is a quick Q&A I had with him at practice on April 8.
THW: You Have Been Here Before For Development Camps And Such. But What Stands Out to You The Most About Chicago- Anything in Particular?
Boisvert: Well, it’s pretty nice. Like, there’s a lot… not that I expected it not to be nice, but it’s nicer than I even thought it was. Like, even at dev camp… went on a boat tour and everything, and it’s one of the best cities I’ve ever seen. It’s awesome.”
“I like the food, too.”
THW: What Have You Made Of Your NHL Experience So Far?
Boisvert: A lot. I mean, just being around here for those couple of weeks. It’s been [very] helpful just to see what the schedule is all about, like practices, workouts, and everything. Not only to get on the ice, but just to, like, feel out what it is to be a pro player in the NHL.”
THW: What Would You Say Is Your Greatest Strength As A Player?
Boisvert: “I think versatility, I’d say. Like, I obviously have a good shot and everything, but I think just being able to kind of play either physical or skilled, kind of do everything on the ice, that’s where I think it’s gratifying.”
Head coach Jeff Blashill has been complimentary of Boisvert’s shot, his physicality, and his toughness. He scored his first NHL goal against the Seattle Kraken on April 4. He also got in his first career fight in his second NHL game against the New York Rangers.
THW: You Have A Boxing Background. Do You Have A Favorite Boxer?
Boisvert: “It used to be Gennady Golovkin. At the moment, I’d probably say… (Oleksandr) Usyk.”
Boisvert’s dad is the owner of a taekwondo and boxing gym in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, and Boisvert had boxing matches himself when he was younger. (from ‘How boxing helped turn Blackhawks pick Sacha Boisvert into a top NHL Draft prospect- The Athletic – 5/24/2024)
The NHL also posted a “Get to Know Sacha Boisvert” tweet ahead of the 2024 draft that mentioned, “enjoys boxing while training in the offseason.”
THW: What Are You Most Looking Forward To In Your United Center Debut?
Boisvert: I mean, just being a part of like the National Anthem and everything. It’s going to be super special. The guys have kind of told me, like, just kind of hang out here, and then, like, for your first National Anthem, just be out there. I’ve watched a game from the stands, but just being on the bench for the National Anthem and seeing all those fans, it’ll be awesome.”
Related: Blackhawks Are in a Perfect Position for the Offseason
Boisvert and the Blackhawks have mainly been on the road since he signed his contract, and he was made a healthy scratch in two recent home games against the Winnipeg Jets and Carolina Hurricanes, which Blashill mentioned before he wouldn’t play in every game.
Therefore, Boisvert will get his United Center debut before the end of the season, as the Blackhawks finish the season with three straight home games. Surely being on home ice will give him and the fans a memorable night, as the young center is considered another significant piece of the Blackhawks’ future.
