At the 2021 NHL Draft, Xavier Bourgault was taken with the 22nd overall pick by the Edmonton Oilers. Since being drafted, Bourgault hasn't played an NHL game. Wyatt Johnston being drafted the very next pick after Bourgault has made the pick look rough in hindsight.
In July 2024, the Ottawa Senators acquired Bourgault in a trade with the Oilers. However, Bourgault spent the entire 2024-25 season in the AHL with the Belleville Senators.
Bourgault had a disappointing first season in Belleville, but was re-signed to a one-year contract this past offseason. With a second season ahead of him in Belleville, Bourgault is off to the start he needed this season.
Bourgault off to hot start in Belleville
Bourgault recorded 26 points in 61 games last season. Through nine games this season, Bourgault is off to an incredible start. Bourgault's eight points is second on Belleville's roster only behind Stephen Halliday, who led the team in points last season.
Being in second in points this season only behind the player who led the team in points last season, can mean bigger things can happen this season for Bourgault.
Bourgault's four goals is the second most on the roster. Three of Bourgault's goals have been on special teams, two of which have been shorthanded goals.
Bourgault started the season strong when he scored a shorthanded goal in the season opener against Lehigh Valley. After recording no points in the following two games, Bourgault has been on a recent offensive tear.
Over the past six games, Bourgault has recorded seven points. In two of those games, Bourgault recorded a multi-point game, one of which was a two-goal game against the Laval Rocket on Oct. 22. Last night against the Syracuse Crunch, Bourgault scored a powerplay goal in Belleville's win.
At 23 years old, it seems that Bourgault is getting more confident with his play. With his hot start, more pressure can be placed on Bourgault, but it's a role that he should be embracing.