Xavier is an exceptional stickhandler, finisher, and underrated playmaker. The right-shot center is listed at 6-0, 172 lbs, and is ranked as Central Scouting's 13th North American Skater.
This makes him a candidate for a late first-round pick in the upcoming 2021 NHL Draft.
Bourgault spent the last three seasons with the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, in which he's scored 60 goals and added 71 assists in 154 games.
His most complete season recently was 2019-20, in which he tallied 33 goals and 38 assists in 63 games. Despite the shortened 2020-21 season, Bourgault scored at a higher clip, making a jump from .52 goals per game to .69 last year.
Skating is an area of strength for Bourgault. He is an A-rated skater on Central Scouting's players to watch list. He's good in tight spaces, has good vision and IQ, and displays quickness and creativity with his shot.
"I like how he processes the game, has an [ability of] finding the open spots and has an elite scoring touch," NHL Central Scouting's Jean-Francois Damphousse said, according to NHL.com. "He thinks fast, executes fast, and has a good combination of speed and agility."
His top-end skill, vision, and playmaking are tantalizing, but one of the questions with Bourgault will be whether or not he can continue to develop and make bigger strides than he has already.
Versatility, however, could prove to be an asset. He can play left wing, right-wing, or center if needed. His coach in Shawinigan compares him to Toronto's William Nylander.
