Historic Snub for the QMJHL in NHL Draft First Round

Sacha Boisvert made history in the NHL Draft’s first round as the lone Quebec representative, selected by the Chicago Blackhawks at the 18th spot. Despite his selection, the QMJHL was notably absent from the draft’s initial round, marking the second consecutive year the league failed to produce a first-round pick. This unprecedented drought marks a stark departure from the historical trend of occasional exclusions, now becoming a recurring trend.

In contrast, the OHL saw nine prospects drafted, and the WHL had five players selected in the first round, underscoring the QMJHL’s current underrepresentation on the NHL stage.

Leading QMJHL prospects Maxim Massé and Spencer Gill are poised for the subsequent draft rounds after being bypassed in the opening round. Both play for respected teams—Saguenéens de Chicoutimi and Océanic de Rimouski—within the QMJHL, hoping to hear their names called early on day two of the draft.

Last year, the Lightning ended the QMJHL’s draft drought by picking Ethan Gauthier at the 37th spot, bringing hope for the current prospects awaiting their turn.

Chicago’s successful draft day included selecting Boisvert, along with defenseman Artyom Levshunov and forward Marek Vanacker, bolstering their prospect pool significantly. Boisvert, a standout forward from Muskegon, showcased a mix of offensive skills and physicality, earning him a spot in the draft’s first round after a strong season performance.

Boisvert’s versatile playing style, comprising scoring prowess and a physical edge, attracted the attention of several NHL teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were considering him with the 23rd pick before ultimately trading it to the Anaheim Ducks.

With a blend of point production and grit, Boisvert tallied 68 points in 61 games for Muskegon, ending the season as the fifth-highest scorer in the USHL. Noteworthy is his 86 penalty minutes, reflecting his willingness to engage physically on the ice, evident in his six fights during the season.

The Trifluvien native is set to continue his development at the University of North Dakota next season, eager to make an impact as he transitions to the collegiate level.