Mavrik Bourque’s timeline in the NHL has moved at the same pace as a shooting star.
It was just two seasons ago that he was dominating the AHL, putting up 77 points in 71 games with the Texas Stars, but earning just one call-up to Dallas.
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Now, upon his arrival in Nashville via a trade that sent Fedor Svechkov and Zach L’Heureux to Dallas, he is poised for a middle-six role and adds critical depth down the middle for the Predators.
“I have to show up and be able to deliver (for the role I’m in),” Bourque said. “I think if I show what I’ve got and believe in what I can do, I’ll have a chance to be in a good spot.”
At the beginning of the 2024-25 season, Bourque was called up as a full-timer in Dallas, playing in 73 games and scoring 25 points. This past season, he played in all 82 games, recording 41 points (20 goals and 21 assists).
It’s almost hard to believe that he was playing out of position during his time with the Stars.
Media Availability: Mavrik Bourque | Nashville Predators
Media Availability: Mavrik Bourque | Nashville Predators Mavrik Bourque speaks to the media after signing a six-year, $33 million contract with the Nashville Predators.
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“I’ve played center my entire life except for last year, so I’m looking forward to having a shot down the middle and showing what I can do,” Bourque said. “I believe I’m a better player down the middle and I know what I need to work on to be a good center in the NHL.”
Drafted 30th overall in the NHL Draft, Bourque returned to Shawinigan for two more seasons in juniors, showcasing his game and leading his team to a QMJHL championship.
He’d join Texas the next season, which he wasn’t unfamiliar with, having played six games there at the end of the 2020-21 season. From there, it became a process for Bourque to continue working his way up the lineup and amplifying his game.
Each season offered something different, but that’s exactly what Bourque wanted.
“I was playing mostly fourth Line in my first (NHL) season and playing on the PK,” Bourque said. I was coming from an offensive season (in the AHL) to the NHL, where I was playing mostly defensive minutes. In my second season, I played more offense and had a bigger role with some key guys leaving.
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“I feel like I’ve been in a lot of situations in the NHL, even in 2 years.”
That experience made Bourque more attractive to the Predators and Chris MacFarland when they were in the market for another center. He brings a mix of youth and all-around experience that is hard to find in the league nowadays.
“He’s a smart, heady hockey player,” MacFarland said about Bourque. “He’s a good two-way guy that we think the arrow is still pointing up for. We intend to give him every shot at playing in the middle.”
Bourque is committed to Nashville, signing a six-year, $33 million contract and is eager to prove that every ounce of ink on that dotted line will be worth it.
“I’m just excited and looking forward to showing them why they gave me that contract,” Bourque said.
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