The Colorado Avalanche have signed former Nashville Predators wing Gabriel Bourque to a professional tryout contract (PTO), according to multiple reports.
The 25-year-old battled injury throughout last season, limiting him to just 22 NHL games and four with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. With the Predators, he posted just one goal and four points.
Though Bourque made his way into the NHL early in his career and has already played 242 career games despite missing time due to injuries, he doesn’t project as much more than a third-line wing if he can turn his camp appearance with the Avs into a contract.
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However, that’s not a bad situation for the Avs, who have loads of high-end talent and could use some possession driving depth in the forward group.
Over the last three seasons Bourque has an adjusted CF%Rel of -0.73%, according to Corsica. That comes while he’s taken some rough zone starts. Getting a player used to defensive-zone usage, capable of sheltering the top lines some while providing a bit of secondary offense would be useful to Colorado. Bourque may not be that player, but if he can be, he would be a nice addition for the team.
Dustin Nelson is the News Editor for The Hockey Writers. He’s a contributor to Hockey Prospectus, Hockey Wilderness, and writes a column for Rotowire. He’s also written for Gone Puck Wild, Wild Xtra, InDigest, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Tiny Mix Tapes, Prefix Magazine & other publications. Have a tip? Email him at dlukenelson[at]gmail[dot]com.
