Xavier Bourgault

June 2022 – A pick that was scrutinized by the hockey world, Bourgault is known as the player that the Oilers traded down for instead of taking potential franchise netminder Jesper Wallstedt.  But what is in the past is in the past, so let us focus on the talented scoring winger. First off, ignoring Wallstedt, this is a good pick. Bourgault had been a consistent offensive producer in the QMJHL and had an excellent season last year to the tune of 36 goals and 75 points in just 43 games. His points-per-game was top five in the league and his goals-per-game was second best. He then followed up the regular season with 12 goals and 22 points in 16 playoff games on his team’s way to winning the QMJHL championship. His numbers were excellent last season,15 but it is important to note that Shawinigan had strong offensive support and he played with arguably the QMJHL’s best player, Mavrik Bourque. With all that said though, the talented winger definitely has top-six upside at the NHL level and is only behind Dylan Holloway on the team’s forward prospects depth chart. Bourgault is set to turn pro this fall and should be thrust into a top-six role on the Bakersfield Condors quickly. Jameson Ewasiuk

July 2021 – Bourgault was selected in the first round, 22nd overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2021 NHL Draft. Nick Richard

December 2020 – Coming off a very productive season last year, putting up 71 points in 63 games, Bourgault was looking to take a step this season and truly show that he is in the upper echelon in the QMJHL. He has been productive in a season limited by COVID pauses and games being postponed but he hasn’t really had the explosion on the stat sheet that many expected him to have as one of the older players in the class. The Shawinigan forward primarily plays on the wing but he will take faceoffs from time to time. When he has been forced to the middle of the ice in lineup shakeups, he has looked noticeably less comfortable. This likely means what most had assumed up to this point is that he will likely play on the wing at the next level and that will free him up to use his deceptive off-puck movement. He shows the ability to find space regularly and settle into zones in the offensive zone. He has a knack for settling between defenders which gives him a bit of time and space to do work offensively. There are times where his skating could be a bit stronger but his overall mobility relies on timing and reading his opponents rather than blazing by them. He can be a wizard on the powerplay and make some impressive passes through the slot. Understanding what his opponent wants to do defensively and proactively working to combat that, Bourgault is a player who you can rely on to help generate scoring chances and make a difference on the scoresheet, even if he isn’t having his best night. He may not be a difference-making first-line winger but he should be able to play a top-six role with some very active and attack-focused offensive game that relies on driving the center lane and working off his teammates. Tony Ferrari