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Mavrik Bourque, Dallas Stars tender entry-level contract

By Josh Dobner

QUEBEC CITY, QC - OCTOBER 26: Mavrik Bourque #22 of the Shawinigan Cataractes skates during his QMJHL hockey game at the Videotron Center on October 26, 2019 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Mathieu Belanger/Getty Images)
QUEBEC CITY, QC - OCTOBER 26: Mavrik Bourque #22 of the Shawinigan Cataractes skates during his QMJHL hockey game at the Videotron Center on October 26, 2019 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Mathieu Belanger/Getty Images) /
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On Monday, the Dallas Stars agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with 2020 NHL Entry Draft forward Mavrik Bourque. Considered a steal at 30th overall, EliteProspects had listed Bourque as high as 12th. Alternatively, TheDraftAnalyst had him listed as high as 11th.

Following his selection last October, Bourque had the following to say.

"It’s just like hockey. Every day is a new day. Today, I got drafted by the Dallas Stars, but I know that tomorrow I will be back on the ice and I will work out."

What is not to love?

His contract allocates $925,000 in cap space through the 2023-2024 season; however, his eligibility as a slide candidate this season will undoubtedly extend his contract minus signing bonuses through the 2024-2025 campaign.

Despite a number of COVID related delays in the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League), Bourque has been one of the brightest skaters there this season.

It should be noted for those unfamiliar that while the QMJHL just seems like an obnoxiously long acronym for a hockey league, it is a serious talent pool for the NHL. First-overall selection in this same NHL Entry Draft, Alexis Lafreniere, called the league home for three full seasons before joining the New York Rangers.

Captain of the Shawnigan Cataractes and on his third season with the organization, Mavrik Bourque has seen an increase in his offensive production each season in the QMJHL. Currently averaging 1.50 points per game this season. Totaling twenty-seven points through eighteen games, including twelve bell ringers. Although no stranger to the back of the net, Bourque receives his highest marks on the heels of his whole ice vision, passing prowess.

Of the many shiny things to dig up about the 19-year-old is the following from a QMJHL journalist named Andre Ouellet.

"Of course, Bourque reminds me of Anthony Beauvillier a little, but I think the player who looks most like him in the NHL right now is Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers. Both are right-handed, both are 5’10” and both weigh in about the same. They both seem to see the game in a similar way as well.What I love most about today’s hockey is that it finally gives players like Konecny the chance to express themselves offensively. It’s not by chance that hockey has become more spectacular and much faster."

For a Dallas Stars organization with their previous #1 (Ty Dellandrea) and #2 (Jason Robertson) offensive prospects competing now at the NHL level, Bourque will undoubtedly fill either role next season as Dellandrea or Robertson – or both – qualify upon service time to be removed from newcomer status.

Set to lose the salaries and contributions of Joe Pavelski, Alexander Radulov and others before Bourque qualifies as an RFA (Restricted Free Agent); he could play a mighty, home-grown hand in the Dallas Stars offensive future.

Currently the only Dallas Stars forwards signed through the 2024-2025 season are Jamie Benn, Tyler Sequin and Radek Faksa. While on the defensive end, the lone skater there is Esa Lindell.

With COVID keeping Mavrik Bourque from traveling to the United States thus far, expect to see him no later than training camp following the close of this season.

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