Xavier Bourgault Signs One-Year Deal with Ottawa Senators

Xavier Bourgault, a former first-round pick by the Edmonton Oilers, has officially signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators. The deal is valued at $850,000 at the NHL level and $265,000 in the AHL, allowing Bourgault to avoid arbitration.

Selected 22nd overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Bourgault made headlines during his time with the Shawinigan Cataractes in the QMJHL, where he scored 36 goals and totaled 75 points in just 43 games. Despite his impressive junior performance, he struggled to secure a spot on the Oilers’ roster and was traded to Ottawa in 2024 as part of the team’s strategy to refine its championship-contending lineup.

Since joining the Senators, Bourgault has primarily developed in the AHL, where he showed significant improvement last season. He netted 25 goals and accumulated 57 points in 70 games with the Belleville Senators, ranking second on the team in scoring. Additionally, he made his NHL debut on December 27 against Toronto, marking a significant milestone in his career, although he has yet to record a point at the NHL level.

Bourgault’s offensive performance in the AHL indicates that he could be in line for a more substantial role with Ottawa this season. This contract not only represents a fresh start for Bourgault but also highlights the Senators’ commitment to integrating young talent into their roster, especially following a tumultuous offseason that included the trade of captain Brady Tkachuk to Florida.

For Oilers fans, Bourgault’s journey serves as a bittersweet reminder of the prospects the team has moved on from in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup. As he embarks on this new chapter with Ottawa, the focus will be on whether he can translate his AHL success into a consistent role in the NHL.

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