A wasted opportunity with Xavier Bourgault in Edmonton

It's over for Xavier Bourgault in Edmonton, after the Oilers decided to cut ties with him on Monday in a trade with the Senators. As per the team's official social media account, he was sent to Ottawa along with Jake Chiasson, in exchange for forward Roby Jarventie and a 2025 fourth round draft pick.

In some respects, it's certainly a shame to see Bourgault leave, given the enticing combination of his puck-handling skills, quick release and poachers instinct. However, the reality is that he hasn't developed as expected with the Oilers, after they selected him with the 22nd overall pick in the 2021 NHL entry draft.

Senators general manager Steve Staios indicated in a press release that Bourgault was trending in the right direction with his development. However, we would contend the opposite was true, based on the evidence of this past season.

Some hope after 2022-23

Things had looked promising enough following the 2022-23 campaign, after the 21-year-old had completed his first season in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors. He produced 34 points and a +10 rating in 62 games, but such was his potential, that it felt like he was only scratching the surface.

Bourgault had the opportunity during training camp last year to show what he was capable of, with his talents on full display in a 4-1 preseason win over the Kraken in Seattle, when he scored two goals. However, the reality was this was the only game when he truly shone in five preseason appearances, and he was subsequently loaned to the Condors again.

Unfortunately for everyone concerned, Bourgault was unable to build on his previous success in Bakersfield, instead taking a step backwards in his development during the 2023-24 campaign. He regressed to 20 points and a 0 rating in 55 games, and criticism about his defensive game persisted.

A trade candidate earlier this past season

Interestingly alluding to the Oilers already being prepared to give up on the L'Islet, Quebec native, there was speculation early on this past season about him being traded. As per TSN's Darren Dreger, one possible destination mentioned was the Montreal Canadiens.

Some would perceive this as the Oilers not believing in Bourgault's ability to reach his ceiling of being a second line forward. However, others pointed a finger at the organisation themselves, and their seeming inability to develop him correctly. (Not the first time such an accusation has been levied at the Oilers.)

You could contend that maybe it was just a case of more patience being required by the Oilers organisation. Let's not forget there were similar concerns and talk about trading Philip Broberg, before he went on to show his true potential, particularly versus the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.

Irrespective of this, the partnership between Bourgault and the Oilers is now over, with us suspecting that a new start will be for the best when it comes to the young prospect. The talent is undoubtedly still there, and at least in Ottawa he will be given more opportunity to fulfil his potential, with arguably a clearer path to making his NHL regular season debut.

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