A pair of Boston University sophomores recently signed NHL contracts upon the conclusion of the Terriers’ season last weekend.
Cole Hutson, a 19-year-old defenseman, is scheduled to make his pro hockey debut Wednesday night with the Washington Capitals against the Ottawa Senators. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Washington on Sunday, just hours after BU was eliminated from the Hockey East tournament with a 5-3 loss at Connecticut.
Sacha Boisvert, a 19-year-old forward, signed an entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, also for three years, it was announced Monday. As of Wednesday, when Boisvert would debut with Chicago had not been announced. The Blackhawks play at Minnesota Thursday night.
“I’m super nervous,” Hutson said Wednesday, according to NHL.com. “I don’t know what it’s going to be like yet, but I think once I get the first shift out of the way, I’ll be all right.”
Hutson was selected in the second round (No. 43) of the 2024 draft. His 80 points in 74 games during his two seasons at BU were most in the NCAA among defensemen.
“I really didn’t want to leave BU at all,” Hutson told NHL.com. “Loved that place, love all my teammates, the coaches are the best ever. I’m really sad I had to move on, but I think now’s the right time for me. (I’m) feeling a little bit of pressure, but it’s good pressure. It means that they want me to be here.”
At 33-27-8, the Capitals could use Hutson’s help — the team entered Wednesday eight points behind the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings in the Eastern Conference playoff race with 14 games remaining.
Boisvert appeared in 26 games with BU this season, logging 17 points (3G, 14A). He was originally selected by the Blackhawks in the first round (18th overall) of the 2024 draft.