Xavier Bourgault was expected to join the Oilers shortly after being selected in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
However, after a solid training camp less than a year ago, the Quebecer was traded to the Ottawa Senators a few weeks ago.
In an interview with RDS.ca, Xavier Bourgault confirmed that he was shocked by the trade:
«You always expect to make the team, for sure, every time. But I thought I was really close. I had a really good camp. After that, it may have been harder mentally throughout the year. Sometimes, during a rough patch, you think, ‘I had a really good camp, how come it's not working out?' So mentally, it might have been tougher.»
His production decreased in the AHL, and the Oilers' organization seems to have prioritized other prospects over the former Cataractes de Shawinigan player.
With the Senators, he will have the chance to prove himself. He needs to have another strong training camp to start the season in the NHL.
