Xavier Bourgault Re-Signs with Senators, Avoids Arbitration

The Ottawa Senators made a significant announcement on Thursday, confirming that restricted free agent forward Xavier Bourgault has signed a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. This move comes just ahead of Bourgault’s scheduled arbitration later this month, allowing both parties to avoid a potentially contentious process.

At just 23 years old, Bourgault is entering his third season with the Senators organization. The former first-round draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers was traded to Ottawa in 2024, in a deal that sent him and Jake Chiasson to the Senators in exchange for winger Roby Jarventie and a fourth-round pick.

Last season, Bourgault showcased his potential while playing alongside Arthur Kaliyev and Phillipe Daoust, forming one of the most productive lines in the AHL. He had a breakout year, finishing second in scoring for the Belleville Senators with an impressive 25 goals and 57 points. Bourgault also made his NHL debut this past season, appearing in two games, including his first on December 27 in Toronto.

General Manager Steve Staios has been a longtime admirer of Bourgault, tracking his progress since their junior days. Staios was the GM of the Hamilton Bulldogs when Bourgault shone as the standout player for the Shawinigan Cataractes during the 2022 Memorial Cup. That fall, both men began their professional careers, with Bourgault attending the Oilers’ training camp while Staios joined Edmonton’s hockey operations as a special advisor.

Though Bourgault didn’t make the Oilers’ roster out of camp and was assigned to AHL Bakersfield, Staios was in a position to closely monitor his development. After Staios transitioned to Ottawa, he valued Bourgault enough to bring him over in the trade for Jarventie.

While Bourgault’s first season in Belleville yielded a modest 26 points in 51 games, B-Sens head coach David Bell noted last summer that injuries hindered Bourgault’s performance. With his recent contract signed, Bourgault enters training camp this September with renewed confidence, eager to prove himself at the NHL level.

Additionally, with Garrett Pilon signing in the KHL for next season, Bourgault’s leadership potential is also being recognized, as he could be a strong candidate for Belleville’s next captain.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.