Chicago Blackhawks
With Many Intriguing Forwards Available, Blackhawks Snag Sacha Boisvert at #18
LAS VEGAS – A number of players the Blackhawks were targeting were there at #18. Also, a few they likely weren’t anticipating either like Cole Eiserman. But in the end, Chicago went with a forward in Sacha Boisvert who as expected, fits in with what general manager Kyle Davidson is building out.
Boisvert is on his way to the University of North Dakota after finishing up his season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. There he put up 36 goals in 61 games but actually considers himself more of a 200-foot forward in the mold of Anze Kopitar.
“My favorite player I would say is Evgeni Malkin,” Boisvert said. “But the player I like to study and watch is Anze Kopitar from LA. Big centerman, can play in all three zones, can shoot the puck, pass, and faceoffs, and a leader in the NHL. He’s obviously won some Stanley Cups.”
Indeed he has, and bringing Bosivert aboard shows they’re now plucking more pieces into the puzzle that do the little things needed to win those Cups.
Sacha Boisvert The Pick Over Michael Hage, Cole Eiserman
Hage seemed a favorite at the spot by many analysts and pundits–and yours truly. Eiserman continued to slide as well, but both were snatched up at 20 and 21 respectively. They weren’t going to go much further than where the Hawks were–but Boisvert likely would have been taken just as quickly.
A long view of what the Blackhawks are doing sees the goal scorers and high end skill players taken across the board. But Boisvert–along with taking a defenseman earlier–may still be taking that best player available but maybe targeting guys who are the full 200-foot players starts taking precedence as they build out further.
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