| Xavier Bourgault | Levis | Midget | R | F | 6’0″ | 172 | Shawinigan Cataractes | L’Islet, QC | 2002 | 2020-2021: A- |
QMJHL: Chicoutimi Sagueneens at Shawinigan Cataractes, March 4, 2021: Bourgault was held off the scoresheet in this game, but he flashed all the tools of a top NHL prospect. He showed good separation speed, creating room to operate in the neutral and offensive zones. He also used his quick acceleration to put pressure on Chicoutimi puck carriers, forcing them to rush plays with the puck, resulting in missed passes and broken offensive plays for the Sagueneens. Bourgault was especially effective on the penalty kill in this one, as he used his speed to disrupt passing and shooting lanes, and in one case prevented Chicoutimi from even exiting their own zone despite being on the power play. On a night when he didn’t register a point, Bourgault found ways to help his team win. Rating: A
QMJHL: Shawinigan Cataractes at Quebec Remparts, March 23, 2021: Bourgault displayed a great ability to read the play and anticipate how things in front of him will unfold. He consistently arrived where the puck was heading, before the puck arrived there. Throughout the season, he has showed a high hockey IQ that matches his skating and puck handling skills. Bourgault also has a knack for getting open in the offensive zone. In this game, he often slipped around, behind and just out of reach of Quebec defenders, quickly and quietly getting into position to accept a pass or redirect a shot. Rating: B+
QMJHL: Shawinigan Cataractes NHL Prospect’s Game Evaluations (1/31/20), February 2020: Bourgault, in his 2nd year of play in the QMJHL, is producing right at a point-per-game. He has offensive talent–is good on the cycle, has poise with the puck on his stick, and is able to get to high quality scoring areas. His assist came on a recovered puck on the forecheck that he played to the point. He is used on the PP and willing to get to the net. Bourgault is not draft eligible until June 2021. Game Grade: B
QMJHL: Shawinigan Cataractes NHL Prospects, December 2019: Bourgault scored a hat-trick in the first 29:08 of the game–streaking up the ice and opening up on a 2v1 for a one-timed goal, scoring up high from the right dot as a Power Play expired, and scoring from his home bumper position five-hole on the PP in the 2nd period. What is surprising is that the 2021 draft eligible skater could have had 3 or 4 more, finding himself with the puck in dangerous areas. On top of a great shot and good scoring mind, Bourgault also set up 3 or 4 chances, 2 coming with the goalie pulled trying to come back late in the game. He skates well–particularly with the puck, and gives good energy and has a good stick on the fore-check in the neutral zone. Game Grade: A-
Quebec Midget AAA Showcase, January 2018: Bourgault is a skilled, puck possession forward with slippery hands and witty instincts. He’s undersized but plays a heads up, smart game and exploits the seams with passes or quick burst. He plays the point on the power play and quarterbacks the unit making swift passes all over the offensive zone and setting up his teammates in the prime scoring areas. He has pull-away speed as defenders gap up on him in the neutral zone and then he somehow finds another gear and accelerates by them. Arguably the most impressive aspect of his game is his ability to think the game and make plays at full speed. He’ll hear his name called early in this years QMJHL Draft.
LOGO CREDIT: QMJHL
