Xavier Bourgault
Finally, we have perhaps the Oilers’ highest ranked prospect in Xavier Bourgault. The centre was selected in the first round with the 22nd overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The pick appeared to be a solid one as he would follow up his draft year with a strong showing with the Shawinigan Cataractes, putting up 36 goals and 75 points in just 43 games played. In addition he was a force for them in the playoffs, with 12 goals and 22 points in 16 games of action.
Bourgault’s first season with the Condors had more mixed results, as he worked on developing his two-way game even more in preparation for the NHL while managing just 13 goals and 34 points in 62 games played. He started the 2023-24 AHL season strong, but has since tailed off a bit when veteran Sam Gagner was called up to join the Oilers, taking him off of Bourgault’s line with the Condors.
Similar to Lavoie, Bourgault’s game should practically be NHL-ready, but if the Oilers are serious in getting more than just a serviceable goalie to solve their issues in net, they may need to dangle their best prospect to get the job done. However, they better be sure that the deal is worth it, because they can’t afford to miss when giving their best prospect away with their current pool of younng talent already paper thin.
Nevertheless, if it can finally get the Oilers to the promised land, all may be worth it. (All stats from hockey-reference.com and hockeydb.com)