With the 22nd overall pick, the Edmonton Oilers selected offensive forward, Xavier Bourgault, from the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL.

After approaching this draft with not much of an idea who the Edmonton Oilers would take with their first round pick, we finally got our answer after Ken Holland moved back a couple of spots before eventually grabbing Xavier Bourgault with the 22nd overall selection. Bourgault, a 6’0″ right shot centreman from L’Islet, QC, was clearly a guy that Ken Holland and his staff coveted because they made a move down in the order to grab him. Known as a finisher in the QMJHL, Bourgault is projected by some to be a two-way second-line centreman at the NHL level, which would be an amazing addition to this team’s depth chart if things work out the way we hope.

Bourgault, who turns 19 in October, will head back to the Cataractes for one more year before making the leap to the pros, and he will undoubtedly be a prospect to follow as he adds a much-needed dose of skill to a depth chart that needs it. Bourgault scored at a 0.69 (nice) goals/game pace in the QMJHL this past season, and I will be eager to see if he can build upon that success and polish his skills as a shooter. Despite being a few years away from helping out at the NHL level, the Oilers just brought in a forward that can score and I think we can all agree that they need more of them.

In 29 games played with Shawinigan in the COVID-shortened season, Bourgault netted 20 goals and 40 points to go along with 6 PIMs and a +7 rating.

Now that we know Bourgault is our guy, I dove into the Google machine to figure out exactly what we have here and how he’s likely to help our hockey team. Let the Internet be our guide.

“Although the Shawinigan forward is highly capable of transitioning the puck himself and thinking on his feet to evade congestion, his uniqueness comes in the form of regularly being one of the most reliable and productive pass outlets in the offensive zone. His blend of technical and cognitive strengths result in a player who consistently creates synergy among his linemates and he is capable of elevating his play to exceed and overcome the style of his opponents.” -Brayden Olafson, Dobber Prospects

“An excellent finisher who works best in the offensive zone. An underrated playmaker, too.” -Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet

“His skating and speed are standout qualities and he showed a knack for finding the soft spots in defensive coverages to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates.” -Adam Kimelman, NHL.com

“Quick mind and with it, he can take advantage of opportunities that he creates offensively and defensively. In the battle with a real focus on finding positive results.” -Craig Button, TSN

“Bourgault’s game doesn’t leap off the ice at you but he’s dangerous in a variety of ways, with a deceptive release that comes off of his blade early in his shooting motion and stance to surprise goalies (off of either foot or from awkward postures, too) and good playmaking instincts inside the offensive zone.” -Scott Wheeler, The Athletic

“An exceptional stick handler with buttery-soft hands and a quick-strike mentality, Bourgault has to be in the running for the flashiest wingers available in the draft.” -Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst