Three Blackhawks Prospects Likely Headed to AHL After NHL Additions

The Chicago Blackhawks have had a transformative off-season, marked by a significant trade, the signing of depth players, and the return of a franchise icon. As they gear up for the 2026-27 season, the team aims for further improvement over last year. However, these roster enhancements come with consequences, as some players who had hoped to secure a spot in the lineup may find themselves sidelined.

With a deeper roster, competition has intensified, particularly among forwards. Several players with notable NHL experience might find themselves left out, highlighting the fine balance between depth and opportunity. As the Blackhawks prepare for the upcoming season, unproven prospects face an even steeper climb to make the team. If any of these rookies, excluding Roman Kantserov, make the final roster out of training camp, it will indicate they have truly excelled during preseason evaluations.

Sacha Boisvert

Sacha Boisvert emerged as one of the standout freshmen in the NCAA two years ago while playing for the University of North Dakota. His journey took a turn when he transferred to Boston University, where injuries and inconsistencies hindered his performance. As a former first-round pick by the Blackhawks, Boisvert possesses the potential to become a valuable contributor to a winning team.

Following a season at BU that concluded with him signing an entry-level deal with Chicago, he made a brief appearance in the NHL, playing seven games and recording one goal and one assist. His physical style of play was evident, but he occasionally appeared overmatched against stronger opponents. This summer, Boisvert has focused on bulking up, and with the recent additions to the Blackhawks’ lineup, starting the season in the AHL seems like a fitting opportunity for him to refine his skills and gain valuable experience.

AJ Spellacy

AJ Spellacy looked poised to make an immediate impact for the Blackhawks following the last season. His ability to contribute in high-pressure situations has been evident throughout his career, whether in major junior hockey or the World Junior Championships. Drafted in the third round (72nd overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, Spellacy may not have been a prolific scorer with the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL, but he consistently found ways to deliver when it mattered most.

Spellacy’s skill set suggests he could thrive as a solid bottom-six forward in the NHL. While his ceiling may not be as high as some of his peers, his reliability makes him a valuable asset. For now, he will begin his professional journey with the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL, a league well-suited for his development as he prepares for a potential NHL debut.

Marek Vanacker

Marek Vanacker, selected 27th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, is a remarkably talented forward who has been part of the Brantford Bulldogs’ recent influx into the Blackhawks’ system. After an injury-plagued season the previous year, Vanacker bounced back impressively, scoring 47 goals and adding 35 assists in 82 games during the 2025-26 season, leading the OHL in goals by a narrow margin.

Despite his impressive performance, Vanacker faces challenges in breaking into the NHL lineup this season. As the Blackhawks make roster decisions, he is likely to start with the IceHogs unless his preseason performance is so exceptional that the coaching staff cannot overlook his talent. The coming weeks will be crucial for all three prospects as they navigate their paths within a reshaped Blackhawks roster.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.