Oilers Sign Top Forward Prospect

Thursday, March 31, 2022

 


The Edmonton Oilers announced on Thursday that they have signed their first round pick from 2021,  Xavier Bourgault to a three-year entry-level contract. Bourgault was selection by the Oilers, 22nd overall at last year's NHL entry draft. His contract carries a cap hit of $925,000 per year, with an AAV of $1.165 million as he will receive signing and performance bonuses.

The 19-year old has put up 26 goals and 51 points in 31 games for the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL, thus far this season. He also was selected by Canada for the Original World Junior tournament in December. However, due to a Covid outbreak the tournament was postponed until August after Canada had played two games.  Bourgault only played in one of those two games, as he was injured in the first game. He should be getting another chance to be at the World Juniors, however it will remain to be seen if Canada's team in August will be the same or not.

While he may have signed his entry-level contract already, it can slide another year if he doesn't make the Oilers roster out of training camp next season or plays less than 10 NHL games and sent back to the QMJHL. However, since he will be turning 20 years before December 31st, he is actually eligible to play in the AHL next season but could also return to juniors. This is something that separates him from some other players of his draft class who signed recently, as since they're born in 2003, they won't be able to play at the AHL level next year in the case that they play in the Canadian Hockey League. In this situation, his contract will count if he plays in the AHL. Also if the Cataractes are out of the QMJHL playoffs, Bourgault could be added to the Bakersfield Condors on a pro tryout for a playoff run in the AHL.

On top of his 51 points in 31 games, his 1.65 points per game is the fourth best in the entire QMJHL. In terms of points, he ranks second on his team behind Olivier Nadeau who has 31 goals and 70 points in 54 games. Nadeau, however has a 1.29 points per game. Bourgault nearly has 0.4 PPG better than his teammate. The reason for only playing 31 games, is that following the shortened World Juniors, Bourgault was out of the lineup until February 10th.  With that being said, the postponement of the World Juniors allows him to get a second chance to represent his country.

It will be fun to see where he ends up next season, as there are arguments he can end up in any of the three leagues. In the meantime, Bourgault will try to continue his point pace as well as attempt to help his Shawinigan Cataractes have a nice run in the QMJHL playoffs.

Photo credit:© Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports



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