Xavier Bourgault has inked a one‑year, two‑way contract with the Ottawa Senators, a deal that carries an NHL salary of $850,000 and a minor‑league figure of $265,000.
The 2021 draft saw the Edmonton Oilers select him in the first round, and his junior career with the Shawinigan Cataractes showcased 36 goals and 75 points in 43 games, a performance that caught the attention of the league.
After a stint in the AHL with the Belleville Senators, where he posted 25 goals and 57 points in 70 games and ranked second on the team in scoring, Bourgault earned his first two NHL appearances, debuting in Toronto on December 27.
His arrival coincides with a period of transition for the Senators, who have recently traded captain Brady Tkachuk to Florida, signaling a shift in leadership and roster composition.
While he has yet to register an NHL point, the 23‑year‑old forward’s trajectory reflects the broader narrative of prospects that Edmonton has let go in pursuit of a Stanley Cup, a storyline that resonates with fans tracking player development.
A Promising Outlook
Coaches and analysts alike see his two‑way versatility and work ethic as assets that could translate into a more consistent role as the organization rebuilds around younger talent.