DALSportsNation

The Dallas Stars have announced the signing of 2020 first-round draft pick Mavrik Bourque to an entry-level contract. The 19-year-old forward, listed at 5’10’’, 179lb, is an exciting prospect and was considered by many to be something of a steal for the Stars with the 30th overall pick last year. 

The young player has spent the last 3 years playing for the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL where he Captained the team this year. The offensively dynamic Bourque was second on the team in scoring in the 19-20 season, despite missing 14 games with an injury, and was 9th in the league overall in points per game. In the 2021 season, Bourque has increased this pace, lying 6th in the league with 1.5 points per game. 

While obviously raw, Bourque appears to have a real scorers instinct, as well as a rather wicked shot:

Also notable is his hockey IQ and ability to find space, even when outnumbered:

Scouting reports on Bourque contain phrases that should be music to the ears of Stars fans starving for any kind of offensive, using words like “highly-skilled offensive dynamo”, “elite playmaker”, “controls the play and uses his mobility to create space”, “great vision and hockey sense.” For a player with a reputation for being a primarily offensive forward, Bourque also saw time on the penalty kill, this should please the Stars management who emphasize defensive responsibility from all players. 

While not especially large or fast, Bourque clearly has stand-out skill and hockey sense, at least at the major junior level. Of course, as with any prospect, it remains to be seen whether these skills will translate to the NHL but the offensively dynamic youngster is definitely a player for fans to be excited about.

Photo: Jean Levasseur

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