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Sacha Boisvert, Boston University (Eliza Nuestro/Boston University Athletics)

Blackhawks Infuse New Energy with Frondell & Boisvert’s Upcoming Debuts

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Brooke LoFurno | Last updated Mar 24, 2026 3:00 PM ET

There are two sides to the Chicago Blackhawks‘ season at this point. One side is disappointment that they are 10 points out of the playoffs and not playing in those meaningful games chasing a Wild Card spot.

But they are still playing meaningful games, as this is the time of the season when top prospects get to join the team and get their feet wet in the NHL.

For the Blackhawks, Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert (both first-round draft picks) will be making their NHL debuts. Here is what to look for.

Frondell Getting Big Role in Debut

Frondell was the Blackhawks’ third overall pick in 2025.

General manager Kyle Davidson said about Frondell in June, “I just think he’s a really smart hockey player. I think he uses his body very effectively, especially in battles along the wall. He just has a really projectable game to the NHL, and I think he plays the game the way that it’s played, not only in North America on the small rink, but also in May and June. I think he plays very heavy, hard, you know, almost quote-unquote playoff hockey. And so I think that’s something that we’re really excited to add. You know, he can play a skill game, he can play a heavy game. He can play it any way you want, and so we’re really excited about that.”

He played for Djurgårdens IF in Sweden on loan from the Blackhawks instead of going pro right out of the gate, with 28 points in 43 games. According to the Blackhawks’ news release of his recall, his 20 goals led his team and all SHL rookies. Scott Powers of The Athletic also pointed out that he was the first 18-year-old to score 20 goals in the league since Daniel Sedin.

Anton checking in

check it out pic.twitter.com/5DTj4K5Fsz
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 24, 2026

According to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, head coach Jeff Blashill has Frondell on the top line with Connor Bedard and Ryan Greene at morning skate, replacing Andre Burakovsky, who was moved to the third line. Pope also reported him on the top power-play unit as well.

Blashill said about the line, “I think Anton had a good year- really good second half.
So the way I see it, you know, he’s kind of earned the opportunity to get up there and kind of capitalize on the confidence he has coming into the league, and give him a shot… It’s a good chance for him. And, you know, it’s three good players on that line, and hopefully they can create some stuff for us.”

Frondell said about his debut on the top line and power play, “Cool. Same thing- It feels like a dream. It’s cool to be on the ice with all those players, and sitting next to (Connor) Bedard, and all the other guys. It’s cool, and yeah, I don’t really know what to expect for tonight’s game. It’s just- it’s amazing. I will try to enjoy it as much as I can.”

Frondell will make his debut against the New York Islanders tonight (March. 24).

Boisvert’s Debut Now On the Clock

When the Blackhawks drafted Boisvert 18th overall back in 2024, it seems the traits they admired about Frondell are also what they see in Boisvert: a skilled, competitive center.

Director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey said after they drafted Boisvert, per Tracey Myers of NHL.com, “Long body, ultra-competitive. He boxes in the summer. His father owns a gym. He plays on the edge, but he also had 36 goals in that league. If you look back at [Winnipeg Jets forward] Kyle Connor and [Vancouver Canucks forward] Brock Boeser and those guys, those are similar numbers to what he had. He’s got size down the middle, he can skate, he’s good on face-offs and he’s another fantastic kid.”

Boisvert won the NCHC Rookie of the Year as a freshman at the University of North Dakota, after recording 32 points in 37 games. He spoke with us at development camp over the summer and said he transferred to Boston University (BU) after North Dakota’s head coach, Brad Berry, got fired, as Boisvert mentioned that he recruited him when he was 14. He was looking forward to the season with BU, but unfortunately, the season didn’t go as planned for him or the team. He dealt with injury and had 17 points in 26 games.

Meanwhile, BU didn’t make the NCAA Tournament as they got eliminated by the University of Connecticut in the Hockey East Tournament.

Sacha Boisvert, Boston University (Eliza Nuestro/Boston University Athletics)

Boisvert signed his entry-level deal on March 16 but has been waiting for his work visa to be approved, so he has yet to make his Blackhawks debut. However, his work visa got approved, and Blashill noted he will play on the road trip.

With the Blackhawks’ faceoffs being an issue all season (31st in the NHL), Boisvert can help in that area. He can certainly also work his way up the lineup in the final stretch, as Blashill mentioned, taking it game by game and seeing where he fits.

So, where Boisvert cements himself in the final games of the season is one to watch, because with a skillset of physicality and production, he could be a complement to any line.

Anticipated New Look for the Blackhawks

Besides the fact that both players are high draft picks, whose debuts are highly anticipated by the Blackhawks, their most important aspect might be how they will infuse new energy into the lineup.

As Alex Vlasic mentioned when asked about Frondell on March 22, “Yeah, I heard a lot about him. Seen he’s a really good player, so he’ll definitely be able to bring some excitement, and he seems pretty lethal with the puck. So yeah, you know, we’re pumped to get him, and hopefully have a great stretch down the end here.”

Ryan Greene told Mario Tirabassi of CHGO about Boisvert, “He’s a great kid. Hard worker. Plays the game hard and isn’t afraid of anybody. That’s valuable to us right now.”

Obviously, the ceilings for both of these players at the NHL level won’t be determined for a bit. But getting these reps will be beneficial going into next season, and a new look for the Blackhawks will certainly bring a little more excitement to the rest of the season.