He reads and reacts before defenders do. While there are some valid concerns about his lack of high-end speed to his skating, as well as his current lack of strength, those are both things that should and can be improved as he develops into a more mature hockey player. Montreal Canadiens Schedule, Roster, News, and Rumors | Eyes On The Prize, 2020 NHL Draft prospect profile: Mavrik Bourque is one of the smartest players available, Meet your 2020 Montreal Canadiens Draft Class. I think his skating could stand to improve, but it’s not a major drawback for him. Every day leading up to the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft on Tuesday, October 6, we will be profiling prospects who are likely to be in range of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ selection at #21. The Stars picked Mavrik Bourque with the No. Considering how much playing time he got, it’s fair to think the reactions to his defensive game are slightly exaggerated. Joe McDonnell, Stars director of amateur scouting, said the team had Bourque ranked between 15th and 30th but did not say an exact position. He has hockey skill, but is his size an issue? We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. He also represented Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup where he had one assist in five games playing in a fourth line role. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The Cataractes were not a very good team and there’s no doubt that Bourque was their best offensive player. Even in the offense-heavy QMJHL he was among the most prolific scorers, ranking in the top ten in points per game. Franchise Hockey Manager, Get access to Skill Rating and many more premium features, Drafted 2018, 1 #3 overall by Shawinigan Cataractes in the QMJHL Entry Draft. His 71 points, despite missing time, was 20th among all QMJHL players. None will be Alexis Lafreniere, but the Rangers will land talent given the depth of the draft. In his first QMJHL season, Bourque had 25 goals and 29 assists in 64 games. There are a lot of forwards expected to be taken in the middle of the first round, and Bourque’s talents stick out in a positive light when compared to those around him. Bourque is not expected to be an immediate contributor for the Stars, and late first-round picks are rarely asked to play in the NHL the season after they are drafted. Aside from adding strength to his lower body, scouts feel that he could add more muscle to his frame to help him adjust to the professional game. There is speculation that his inconsistency in the defensive zone is because he knew he needed energy to lead his team offensively, but at the same time there are scouts who compare him to Phillip Danault. Love him or hate him, Domi just didn’t have a place in the Canadiens’ plans. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound native of Plessisville, Quebec skated in five games for Canada at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup where he registered an assist. He’s both the best player available and the best fit for this team. Bourque quite simply runs the offence in Shawinigan despite being in his first draft year. Getting to know Canadiens 123rd overall selection Sean Farrell. Draft Options: Mavrik Bourque By Dave Woodward – September 22, 2020. From the highlights, you can see one of Bourque’s greatest strengths. In his rookie season, he posted 54 points in 64 games and was the Cataractes’ first-line center. The Stars only have four draft picks in the final six rounds on Wednesday. When a player’s highlight reel is over 11 minutes long despite missing 14 games with an injury, you know that there’s a lot to like about the player. March 2020 - Bourque had an extremely impressive draft-eligible season with the Shawinigan of the QMJHL. Unfortunately his season was cut short by an injury in early February. Give up a 3rd round pick and prospect for an unproven 4th liner with questionable upside? As good as he is offensively, there are some weaker points to his offensive game. The login page will open in a new tab. “Mavrik Bourque has been Shawinigan’s go-to scorer since he entered the QMJHL as a 16-year-old. His quick hands help him pull the puck in while teeing up a shot. - Zeke Boyat, Hockey Wilderness, Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule, Roster, News, and Rumors | The Cannon, 2020 Draft Prospect Profile: Mavrik Bourque is dangerous, Recapping the Blue Jackets 2020-21 NHL Draft. His hockey sense is his biggest asset. Columbus grabs three defenseman, two forwards - and snag center Max Domi. Mavrik Bourque has been Shawinigan’s go-to scorer since he entered the QMJHL as a 16-year-old. We already have a lot of middle 6 Centers in the system, we should be drafting to hit a home run — and with some size/power. It shows on the ice, I think.”, Bourque said: “It’s just like hockey. Size is the major concern, and Bourque lacks elite speed. NY Rangers select Hugo Ollas with 7th round pick, NY Rangers select Matt Rempe with 6th round pick, NY Rangers select Brett Berard with additional 5th round pick, NY Rangers trade up in 5th round, select Even Vierling, NY Rangers select Dylan Garand with 4th round pick in 2020 NHL Draft, NY Rangers extend qualifying offer to Ryan Strome, NY Rangers select Oliver Tarnstrom with 3rd round pick in 2020 Draft, NY Rangers draft William Cuylle in the 2nd round of the 2020 NHL Draft, NY Rangers trade Lias Andersson to LA Kings for 2nd round pick. Getting to know Canadiens 108th overall selection Blake Biondi. “He’s up early every morning,” McDonnell said. The scouting report on Mavrik Bourque has him safely projecting as a middle-six forward with top-six potential. 29 in 2013), Riley Tufte (No. He was drafted in the first round, 30th overall, by the Dallas Stars in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.. References smart offensive instincts to recognize openings.