Sacha Boisvert's confidence shining at Blackhawks 2026 Prospect Showcase

Sacha Boisvert has been catching people's attention at his first prospect showcase.

He's the former 18th overall draft pick with seven games of NHL experience under his belt coming from Boston University. Therefore, his summer was significant heading into this season as he competes for a spot on the Chicago Blackhawks out of camp.

His summer looks to have resulted in significant progress.

Boisvert's hard-working mentality on display

Boisvert put in the work this summer to improve. Rockford IceHogs head coach Jared Nightingale said he could see that 6'2" center gained muscle, and Boisvert mentioned working on a lot of things physically that helped give him confidence on-ice and mentally; noting it going hand in hand.

During his media availability on Sept. 13, he was asked about what he was working on that helped his confidence: "Kind of going back to basics... confidence, I think, for me, is just getting a lot of reps and knowing that I can do things. Like I said, you need confidence in the gym, and on the ice, I think in the summer, the most for me. Like, I know that I show up here (and) I'm ready. I did the work I needed to do. I knew I did the work, so knowing that gives me a lot of confidence coming here; my goal is to work harder than everyone else in the summer. So just showing up here and knowing that, hopefully I put (in) more work than other people, kind of gives me confidence to get on the ice and doing what I know I can do."

Nightingale also commented on what he's seen from Boisvert's confidence: "He should have confidence. I think confidence comes with preparation. He's invested a lot. A lot of these kids have, but especially Boisvert, getting a taste of the NHL. He's a great prospect, but he's kind of an all-around player. Obviously, I think he has a toughness side to him, and he's talented. But, yeah, for sure, he should be confident. He's put in a lot of work, and this is why the guys train: to hit the ground running at training camp."

Boisvert looking to show more elements of his game

With the Blackhawks, Boisvert mostly played a fourth-line role, and in the prospect showcase games, he will be on the top line playing with A.J. Spellacy and Ryan Roobroeck, which will give him plenty of opportunity to show more of his game, including the one aspect of his game he's looking to emphasize more, saying, "I think (offensively). I know I can be really a good offensive player. I've shown that at the NHL level that I got into a fight. I played fourth-line minutes. I played deeper in the lineup- which was fine, you know. I know I can do that. Like, I played there. I was there with all those guys, and I can do it. But now it's just prove that I can be an offensive threat, as well. Whether it's on the power play, five-on-five, or whatever. I know I got the skill set to do it, and I just want everyone else to know I can do it. So it's my time to just go out there and prove it."

Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill said last season that Boisvert had a good shot, so his offensive side is something they see, too.

It's unknown whether Boisvert will ultimately start with the IceHogs or the Blackhawks. But at development camp in July, he talked about how his brief NHL stint changed his mentality.

And by listening to him talk, you can sense that. He comes off as motivated and assured, and that mindset is an asset.

He's made a big impression at prospect practices with his on-ice play. The 20 year old has been skating well, and his shot has looked strong.

Therefore, going into the prospect games and training camp, there are many things to watch for with Boisvert, as he's eager to prove himself.