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Sandman · 05-26-2021, 11:45 PM

C/RW Xavier Bourgault, 6'0"183lbs (Shawinigan, QMJHL): I haven't written about him until now, because he seems to be creeping in to the early 2nd round in some mocks. 20g/20a/40pts in 29 games this year (87 points if it was a full season), leading Q draft-eligibles with 1.38p/gp and 20 goals. The haters will point to the fact that he's one of the oldest players in this draft, with an October birthday, so let's look at his stats from last year:33g/38a/71pts in 63 games-tied for highest among U-18 players in the Q, and good enough for 1st/2nd round consideration. Last year, it was just him, Ponomayorov, and Mavrik Bourque-the team wasn't particularly talented, and finished in 12th place with a .476%. This year they have a new coach (Ron Choules), new talent, and a new system-finishing in 5th.

X is a dynamic offensive player, relentless in his puck pursuit. He owns a quick release and a hard, accurate shot reminicent of Connor McMichael, and is a threat to score from anywhere. He displays good work ethic, and will go to the battle areas along the boards, and the net-front, and fights through checks. His strongest qualities are his vision, IQ, and playmaking, and he's one of the best in the draft in those areas. He's able to find the tightest passing lanes, and is a step ahead of every play. Has 3 zone hockey sense. Bourgault has an array of slick stickhandling moves he can use to get around, or through attackers. He's known to be a terrific transitional player, that initiates many a breakout with his passing.

Bourgault has some gaps in his skating and defensive game. He has a wide skate placement that hurts his mechanics, and slows him down-he is said to be fast and agile, and this wonky stride is hard to notice when he's in full flight, but it hurts the power of his acceleration. He needs work on his edges too, as he loses speed in turns. He makes an effort in all 3 zones, but his positioning in the D zone is shaky, and his reach is hurt by his wide stance.He seems to stay a bit high, and let his wingers do most of the work there. He says he's aware of his shortcomings, and is already in the gym working hard on his strength, speed, and explosiveness.

Some have compared to Brendan Gallagher-whose speed was widely criticized in his draft year. He reminds me of Connor Zary. Central Scouting ranks him as an A prospect, so they expect him to go in the 1st/2nd round. He's projected to be a top-6 winger in the NHL.

05-26-2021, 11:45 PM	#568
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	C/RW Xavier Bourgault, 6'0"183lbs (Shawinigan, QMJHL): I haven't written about him until now, because he seems to be creeping in to the early 2nd round in some mocks. 20g/20a/40pts in 29 games this year (87 points if it was a full season), leading Q draft-eligibles with 1.38p/gp and 20 goals. The haters will point to the fact that he's one of the oldest players in this draft, with an October birthday, so let's look at his stats from last year:33g/38a/71pts in 63 games-tied for highest among U-18 players in the Q, and good enough for 1st/2nd round consideration. Last year, it was just him, Ponomayorov, and Mavrik Bourque-the team wasn't particularly talented, and finished in 12th place with a .476%. This year they have a new coach (Ron Choules), new talent, and a new system-finishing in 5th. X is a dynamic offensive player, relentless in his puck pursuit. He owns a quick release and a hard, accurate shot reminicent of Connor McMichael, and is a threat to score from anywhere. He displays good work ethic, and will go to the battle areas along the boards, and the net-front, and fights through checks. His strongest qualities are his vision, IQ, and playmaking, and he's one of the best in the draft in those areas. He's able to find the tightest passing lanes, and is a step ahead of every play. Has 3 zone hockey sense. Bourgault has an array of slick stickhandling moves he can use to get around, or through attackers. He's known to be a terrific transitional player, that initiates many a breakout with his passing. Bourgault has some gaps in his skating and defensive game. He has a wide skate placement that hurts his mechanics, and slows him down-he is said to be fast and agile, and this wonky stride is hard to notice when he's in full flight, but it hurts the power of his acceleration. He needs work on his edges too, as he loses speed in turns. He makes an effort in all 3 zones, but his positioning in the D zone is shaky, and his reach is hurt by his wide stance.He seems to stay a bit high, and let his wingers do most of the work there. He says he's aware of his shortcomings, and is already in the gym working hard on his strength, speed, and explosiveness. Some have compared to Brendan Gallagher-whose speed was widely criticized in his draft year. He reminds me of Connor Zary. Central Scouting ranks him as an A prospect, so they expect him to go in the 1st/2nd round. He's projected to be a top-6 winger in the NHL. Last edited by Sandman; 05-27-2021 at 12:10 AM.