Quebecer Xavier Bourgault, the Edmonton Oilers’ 2021 first-rounder, appears to have caught the attention of head coach Jay Woodcroft and his recent performance should improve the team’s rating.
The former forward for the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has played in five of the Oilers’ first six exhibition games so far, including the last three. On Monday he contributed significantly to the 4-1 win against the Seattle Kraken with two goals. Bourgault scored the first goal in the opening period before scoring the game-winning goal in the third period.
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Woodcroft obviously liked what he saw from the man who totaled 34 points in 62 games last season with the Bakersfield Condors, Edmonton’s farm club in the American League.
“What I like is that he puts himself in the right places to score goals. Both were good throws. I think he has a very good camp. “He is an intelligent player who gives a lot of himself,” the head coach analyzed to the “Edmonton Sun” daily newspaper.
Despite everything, Bourgault was handed over to the Condors early Tuesday afternoon.
Very convenient
For the main prospect who spoke to the Oilers’ YouTube channel, the efforts of the last few weeks, including in rookie camp, are paying off.
“I was involved in every facet of the game and was alert defensively, especially on the numerical penalty kill,” said Bourgault, describing his performance while expressing his excitement to play on the same team as Connor McDavid. I found the gaps on the ice, but I have to give credit to my teammates.
“My confidence has increased, I’m making more plays. “I have more experience compared to last year, so I know good things will happen when I step into the net,” he said. It’s the skating and the stick. This time I was rewarded for appearing in the goalie’s blue zone.”