Boston University's season came to a halt on Saturday as they were bested by the 14th-ranked UConn Huskies, 5-3, in the Hockey East tournament. The tournament was a rollercoaster for Boston and had its share of drama, involving the Chicago Blackhawks' 2024 first-round pick, Sacha Boisvert.
In a surprising move, Boisvert was a healthy scratch in the opening round against Vermont, a win-or-go-home scenario. Head coach Jay Pandolfo kept it simple, stating Boisvert wasn’t available, and left it at that.
Despite his absence, Boston triumphed over Vermont 4-1, thanks to Cole Eiserman, a New York Islanders prospect, who netted two goals. Eiserman, another 2024 first-round pick, was selected just two spots after Boisvert.
Sacha Boisvert’s College Journey
Boisvert was the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Blackhawks, a selection celebrated for its potential. The Blackhawks were seeking size at center ice, with Boisvert’s 6-foot-3 frame complementing the smaller statures of Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard. Known for his 200-foot game, speed, and sharp shot, Boisvert had a standout draft year, posting 36 goals and 68 points with the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
His post-draft season at the University of North Dakota was impressive, with 18 goals and 32 points in 37 games, affirming his first-round status. The move to Boston University was meant to elevate his college career but instead, it took a downturn.
At 19, Boisvert experienced his toughest season yet, managing just three goals in 25 games, though he added 14 assists for a total of 17 points. In the critical game against UConn, he missed a prime scoring chance and lost a puck battle, a sequence he'd likely want to forget as he looks toward his NHL debut.
With BU out of the tournament, Boisvert could join the Blackhawks’ lineup as soon as Tuesday.
The Mystery of the Scratch
A few days later, it was revealed by Mike McMahon of College Hockey Insider and BU sources that Boisvert’s scratch was due to tardiness to a team workout, a recurring issue this season.
This isn’t the kind of reputation Boisvert or the Blackhawks want. Missing crucial moments before a high-stakes game isn’t a good look, but BU’s decision to bench him was a necessary lesson. The NHL won't be forgiving either; just ask Lukas Reichel, who faced consequences for a similar mishap.
Boisvert’s season at Boston was rocky. Whether it was the move from North Dakota or other factors, it’s a season he’ll want to put behind him. The NCAA can be challenging for prospects, and not every player finds immediate success.
Boisvert is set to sign his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks soon, and once his visa clears, he’ll hit the ice in Chicago. The hope is that he’ll find renewed motivation and leave the past months behind.
Some pro-level coaching might be just what he needs to refine his responsibilities. He’s expected to start in the bottom-six, with the chance to make an impact in the final stretch of the season.