Bourque, a former third-round pick, has spent the last four seasons in the AHL, producing 37- and 32-point efforts in his last two campaigns. While the Rangers will likely have an opening at center on the third or fourth line during training camp, Bourque will need to turn in a spirited and productive showing to earn a spot on the roster over the likes of Jarret Stoll and Oscar Lindberg. A return to AHL Hartford appears to be the most likely outcome for Bourque.
While the decently-touted son of legend Ray Bourque has not yet met the expectations that inspired the Rangers to draft him 80th-overall in 2009 draft, the 5-foot-9 center certainly showed an overall offensive improvement in his third full season with AHL Hartford. After registering just 14 goals and 29 points and a minus-5 rating through his first 122 AHL games, Bourque logged 37 points (21 goals) and a plus-16 rating a season ago. The organization's need for centermen is no secret - if Bourque can continue to contribute more consistently, it's entirely possible his long-awaited NHL debut could come at some point this season, but we aren't suggesting any torrid pace at any point in the near future.
Since being drafted 80th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, things have pretty much gone as expected for the son of the legendary Ray Bourque. After completing two seasons (53 goals, 75 assists in 121 games) with Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL, Bourque has totaled 14 goals and 15 assists with a plus-29 rating through 122 games in the AHL. While it's very likely for Bourque to get a call-up at some point this season, he won't receive enough playing time to help out you annual re-draft folks. For keeper league owners, we would highly suggest following his progress.
Perhaps best-known as Ray's son, Bourque will most likely open the year with the Connecticut Whale of the AHL. The 21-year-old tallied 14 points in 69 games with the Whale last year, but he's worth keeping tabs on for keeper league owners, if only for his pedigree.
Bourque, the son of celebrated NHL Hall of Famer Ray Borque, was the 80th overall draft selection (third round) in the 2009 Entry Draft. Last season, he fell just one point shy of averaging a point per game with the Quebec Ramparts in his junior league. What he lacks in size - he's just 5-foot-9, 163 pounds - he makes up for with quick legs. Little Bourque has a solid all-around game and his bloodlines should only accelerate his path toward the NHL.
