Bourgault’s 2025-26 AHL campaign was better than most expected after a sub-0.5 points-per-game debut in Belleville – 57 points in 70 games, leading the AHL squad in scoring alongside Arthur Kaliyev. His two NHL appearances were unproductive, and the defensive deficiencies that have followed him throughout his career remain a real obstacle. At 23, he is running out of time to convince Ottawa that the two-way element required for sustained ice time can be added to his game. Competition for bottom-six roles with the Senators is stiff with a veteran-laden group ahead of him, and another season with little NHL traction could push him toward a move overseas.

The Ottawa Senators re-signed Bourgault to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025-26 season. The 22-year-old played in 61 games, producing 26 points (12 goals and 14 assists) for the Belleville Senators in the American Hockey League during his first season with the Ottawa Senators organization. The 2021 first-round pick (22nd overall) of the Edmonton Oilers has yet to make his NHL debut after three seasons in the AHL. It is hard to see a path to playing time in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators, let alone fantasy relevancy. Bourgault is trending toward an AHL player throughout his career, who could end up moving overseas if an NHL organization does not allow him to become a full-time NHL player. Bourgault is rosterable (barely) in deep dynasty leagues, but if you have not already lowered your expectations on him in fantasy, it is time to do so. That said, you should be able to find a younger prospect with more upside on your waiver wire or even a young player who has played in a few NHL games and is ready to make the next step, if so. Move on from Bourgault, let someone else hold out hope he will become fantasy-relevant in the NHL.

After being traded to Ottawa in the offseason, Bourgault had a solid first season with Belleville. Playing in a top-six right winger role, he put up 12 goals and 14 assists in 61 games.

A pick that was scrutinized by the hockey world, Bourgault is known as the player that the Oilers traded down for instead of taking potential franchise netminder Jesper Wallstedt. But what is in the past is in the past, so let us focus on the talented scoring winger. First off, ignoring Wallstedt, this is a good pick. Bourgault had been a consistent offensive producer in the QMJHL and had an excellent season last year to the tune of 36 goals and 75 points in just 43 games. His points-per-game was top five in the league and his goals-per-game was second best. He then followed up the regular season with 12 goals and 22 points in 16 playoff games on his team’s way to winning the QMJHL championship. His numbers were excellent last season,15 but it is important to note that Shawinigan had strong offensive support and he played with arguably the QMJHL’s best player, Mavrik Bourque. With all that said though, the talented winger definitely has top-six upside at the NHL level and is only behind Dylan Holloway on the team’s forward prospects depth chart. Bourgault is set to turn pro this fall and should be thrust into a top-six role on the Bakersfield Condors quickly.

Bourgault was selected in the first round, 22nd overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2021 NHL Draft.