Here we’ve put together a collection of scouting reports and highlights regarding newly drafted forward, Xavier Bourgault. The Edmonton Oilers selected Bourgault with the 22nd overall pick after making a trade with the Minnesota Wild to move down a couple of spots from 20th overall.
BIO:
Born: Oct 22nd, 2002 — City: L’Islet, Quebec
Height: 6 feet 0 inches — Weight: 172 lbs [183 cm/78 kg]
SCOUTING REPORTS
“Although the Shawinigan forward is highly capable of transitioning the puck himself and thinking on his feet to evade congestion, his uniqueness comes in the form of regularly being one of the most reliable and productive pass outlets in the offensive zone. His blend of technical and cognitive strengths result in a player who consistently creates synergy among his linemates and he is capable of elevating his play to exceed and overcome the style of his opponents.” -Brayden Olafson, Dobber Prospects
“An excellent finisher who works best in the offensive zone. An underrated playmaker, too.” -Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet
“His skating and speed are standout qualities and he showed a knack for finding the soft spots in defensive coverages to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates.” -Adam Kimelman, NHL.com
“Quick mind and with it, he can take advantage of opportunities that he creates offensively and defensively. In the battle with a real focus on finding positive results.” -Craig Button, TSN
“Bourgault’s game doesn’t leap off the ice at you but he’s dangerous in a variety of ways, with a deceptive release that comes off of his blade early in his shooting motion and stance to surprise goalies (off of either foot or from awkward postures, too) and good playmaking instincts inside the offensive zone.” -Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
“An exceptional stick handler with buttery-soft hands and a quick-strike mentality, Bourgault has to be in the running for the flashiest wingers available in the draft.” -Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst
“Bourgault can become a top-six winger in the NHL if he is able to reach his potential. He is a few years away though. Bourgault will likely head back to junior for his final season before moving to the AHL in 2022-23. He will need to continue to work on his skating and his defensive play to reach the next level. With his outstanding work ethic, he should be able to improve those areas with good coaching going forward. He will also need to continue to add muscle and fill out his frame to play the aggressive style he favours. Bourgault’s game is reminiscent of Brad Marchand without the pest-like qualities and antics. This is a stylistic comparison only though and not one based on skill and ability.” -Ben Kerr, Last Word on Sports
“The speedy winger, who can score from just about anywhere on the ice, has off the charts puck skills and possesses a very accurate and pro-like shot. The 18-year-old models his game after two current NHLer’s, and both happen to play on his favorite NHL team. “I really like Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak on the Bruins”, Bourgault admitted. “I just love to watch Pasta, he is so good offensively. And Bergeron, he is such a complete player. I also like to watch TJ Oshie”, he adds. “Like me, he’s good in small areas and likes to score goals. He’s creative and brings a lot of speed to the game as well.” –CHL.ca
PRE-DRAFT RANKINGS
VIDEO AND HIGHLIGHTS
2021 Highlight Package
Pre-Draft Scouting Report
DailyFaceoff Prospects Show