The Chicago Blackhawks’ offseason has changed the shape of the roster, and that ripple effect is already pushing some prospects toward Rockford before the puck even drops on the 2026-27 season.
With a big trade, several depth signings and the return of a franchise icon, Chicago has made life tougher for players fighting for jobs at the bottom of the lineup. That’s especially true up front, where the Blackhawks now have enough bodies that even players with NHL experience could be squeezed out.
For younger prospects, the path is even steeper. Unless a rookie outside of Roman Kantserov has a monster camp and preseason, the safest bet is an AHL start.
Sacha Boisvert fits that description. The former first-round pick was one of the top freshmen in the NCAA two years ago at North Dakota, then transferred to Boston University for the 2025-26 season. That year didn’t go as smoothly, thanks to injury and inconsistency, but his long-term upside still stands out.
After BU’s season ended, Boisvert signed his entry-level deal with Chicago and got into seven games with the Blackhawks. He finished with one goal, one assist and a fight that showed off the physical edge in his game.
At times, he looked outmatched in size and strength, even if the skill level was clearly there. The offseason talk around him has centered on bulking up, and a year in the AHL would give him a chance to sharpen his game against pro competition.
Injuries or a trade-deadline sell-off could always open the door later, but starting in Rockford looks like the practical route.
AJ Spellacy looked like he might have a shot to help Chicago as soon as opening night, especially after the way he keeps showing up in big moments. Whether it’s major junior or the World Junior Championships, he tends to make an impact.
The 2024 third-round pick, taken 72nd overall, wasn’t a huge offensive producer with the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL. What he did have was a habit of scoring important goals when the pressure was highest, and that carried over with Team USA at the World Juniors.
Spellacy projects as a bottom-six NHL forward with a relatively high floor. He may not have the same ceiling as some of the other prospects, but he looks NHL-ready in the right role.
For now, though, his pro debut is set to come with the Rockford IceHogs. That should serve him well, giving him a chance to adjust to the pro game while working with the development staff.
A specific opening will have to appear before he reaches Chicago, but he’ll stay ready in the AHL.
Marek Vanacker is in a similar spot. Chicago selected the highly skilled forward 27th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, and he’s one of several Brantford Bulldogs products to join the Blackhawks system in recent years.
Vanacker answered for an injury-plagued year by exploding in 2025-26, piling up 47 goals and 35 assists in 82 games. His 47 goals led the OHL, and he finished one ahead of former Blackhawks prospect Jack Pridham.
Even with that production, he remains blocked at the NHL level for now. If the organization makes more moves, his opportunity will come. But unless he forces the issue with a huge preseason, Rockford is the likeliest opening-night destination.
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