Looking at draft prospect Sacha Boisvert
One of the more underrated draft prospects is Sacha Boisvert, who could fall into the Vegas Golden Knights's lap. Will he be a great fit?
Not much is known about the Muskegon Lumberjacks, except they're a hockey team. They play in Muskegon, Michigan, and are a part of the USHL, a prospect league with plenty of NHL Draft hopefuls. The team also has a promising prospect named Sacha Boisvert. The young forward could be an excellent part of the Vegas Golden Knights' future, providing scoring and size to the team. While the Wolverine State is known for its passion for hockey, it could also provide Vegas with a key piece they need.
With the team looking for any young talent in their farm system, they could have the University of North Dakota commit in their plans... or they could trade him like past prospects. Still, if selected, there's plenty of reason why Vegas should hold onto the native of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec for the long term.
Of course, that's the price a team pays for going all-in on the Stanley Cup window. While big-time pieces like Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin come in, dealing the stars of tomorrow is a fair wager, along with some cap space. Still, that doesn't matter to the group. What matters is winning titles, especially if a bold move is needed. As for Boisvert, that raises a couple of questions. Could he be a part of another deal for the Golden Knights? Or does he have the tools to stay in Sin City for a while?
But that shouldn't be something that should cross Boisvert's young mind. Right now, he's anticipating the moment he hears his name called by Gary Bettman on June 28 at the Sphere. He might be Vegas's first-round pick in the NHL Draft, laying the groundwork for the team's post-contender era.
Sacha Boisvert's profile
Sacha Boisvert is a young, tall forward with a left-handed shot. The 18-year-old stands at 6'2", weighing 179 lbs. The Canadian center hails from Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, and played for AHM Denis Francoeur during his youth hockey days. He does have a cousin named Thomas Boisvert, who's 14 years old and also played for AHM Denis Francoeur.
The Quebec native is well-known for being a force during his last season with Mount St. Charles Academy (2021-22), where he dominated the 15U AAA league. Here, he scored 51 goals and 43 assists in 56 games. After that, it was an ascent of incredible proportions, with the center taking over the USHL.
He was an integral part of the Lumberjacks's success the past two seasons, scoring 53 goals and 60 assists in 118 games. As a result, Muskegon made the Eastern Conference Finals of the Clark Cup playoffs in the USHL this season, getting swept by the Dubuque Fighting Saints.
In a league that has produced names such as this year's projected No. 1 pick, Macklin Celebrini, Boisvert stands out as an NHL Draft prospect with good upside. He's finding his game and building his confidence, which is promising for a team like the Vegas Golden Knights. But that's not all he brings to the table.
What Sacha Boisvert brings to the table
One thing that stands out with Sacha Boisvert is his incredible handling. He can be tough to take the puck away, dishing out smooth assists to his teammates. Part of his emergence has been his penchant for passing, whether it's finding the right opening or setting up the play.
But the Canadian center has also been efficient at sniping, with a hard shot that can go past any defender. On top of that, he has an amazing work ethic and maturity. Such intangibles are cherished by the Vegas Golden Knights, which would make him a great fit. Overall, Boisvert has a high hockey IQ that translates into a potent offensive game for the NHL Draft prospect.
Of course, that mental toughness comes from his boxing and taekwondo lineage. Boisvert's dad, Jimmy, owns a taekwondo and boxing gym in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. Here, Jimmy Boisvert trained some of Quebec's best boxers and won a bronze medal at a taekwondo championship. Having an athletic family also helps, which will push his draft stock higher.
The verdict
Don't sleep on Sacha Boisvert being selected at No. 19. He could be an offensive gold mine for the Vegas Golden Knights if selected. His passing ability and sniper shot would make him formidable in the lineup, with the potential to score 30+ goals and 30+ assists every season.
While this will be a defenseman-leaning draft, the 18-year-old could be what the doctor ordered for Vegas offensively. He's a talent that can be developed and coached, showing the intelligence and maturity needed to succeed in the NHL. With his leadership skills helping the Muskegon Lumberjacks reach the Eastern Conference Finals in the Clark Cup, it's no surprise he's such a lucrative pick.
He's comparable to Pavel Dorofeyev, with his offensive skills being the main selling point. His lanky frame and scoring acumen make him a threat in every aspect. Whether on the power play or even strength, he can develop into a bona fide impact player with staying power. This might be a pick that general manager Kelly McCrimmon should hold onto for the future.
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