Success in the NHL has different meanings. For some, it’s about tasting the ultimate glory—which has eluded Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in recent years. For others, a playoff appearance can already be seen as a success, or at least as something positive to build on. The Ottawa Senators may be in that situation right now.
The Oilers have gone through changes over the last few years in an attempt to put McDavid in a position to win the highly desired Stanley Cup. That has seen them part ways with players they didn’t deem completely necessary for that mission.
But as we mentioned before, Ottawa is in another position. The Senators are playing the long game here. Therefore, they’re willing to give more chances to a prospect originally drafted by the Oilers.
Senators re-sign former Oilers’ first-round pick Xavier Bourgault
On Saturday, the Senators announced the return of Xavier Bourgault on a one-year, two-way contract through the 2025-26 NHL season. Another chance for the forward to prove his worth within the organization.
With the 22nd pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers select Xavier Bourgault during the first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft at the NHL Network studios on July 23, 2021 in Secaucus, New Jersey.
Bourgault, who turns 23 in October, originally entered the NHL as a first-round pick by the Oilers, who selected him 22nd overall in 2021. It wasn’t until 2022 that Edmonton handed him a three-year, entry-level contract.
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However, that wasn’t enough to fight for a place on the team led by McDavid. Bourgault spent most of his time with the Oilers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.
Finally ready for the NHL?
In 2024, the Oilers decided to move Bourgault along with forward Jake Chiasson to Ottawa for forward Roby Jarventie and a 2025 fourth-round draft pick. The Senators assigned Bourgault to their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, and chances are that they repeat that decision since he’s returning on a two-way deal.
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Last season, Bourgault recorded 12 goals and 26 points in 61 appearances in the AHL. Before the trade to Ottawa, he racked up 21 goals and 54 points in 118 games with the Condors. With that experience, it’s safe to say enough time has passed to finally have a shot in the NHL. The Oilers may have given up on him, but the Senators are still keeping that chance alive.
