Colorado Avalanche: What to Expect from Gabriel Bourque

The Colorado Avalanche recalled Gabriel Bourque to help replace injured players and shore up the offense.

“It’s the NHL. Every time you have a chance to go play in the NHL, it’s fun.” ~Gabriel Bourque

The Colorado Avalanche recalled both A.J. Greer and Gabriel Bourque to replace Tyson Jost (lower body) and J.T. Compher( broken thumb). Both are expected to be out around three weeks.

Greer was a little more covered during his training camp. Bourque tended to fly under the radar, but he was still among the last cuts the Avalanche made before the regular season. Here is what we can expect from him and little bit more about him.

In 5 games with the San Antonio Rampage, Bourque had a goal and 2 points. He played on the fourth line Tuesday against the Dallas Stars with Alexander Kerfoot and fellow call-up AJ Greer. Bourque had just over 10 minutes of ice time and recorded one shot and two assists — a pretty good first outing.

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Previously, Bourque played six games with the Avalanche last season. He didn’t record any points. However, the 27-year-old Bourque has a total 249 NHL games to his name with 32 goals and 47 points. The majority of those games are with the Nashville Predators.

Bourque spent a lot of time in San Antonio in 2016-2017. In 61 games with the Rampage he had 33 points. There is the hope that his minor league numbers translate to the NHL .

The Avalanche are getting a veteran player to help them on the fourth line. This will help even out all the lines going forward. They are hoping for some production out of him, especially considering the injuries they face.

Gabriel Bourque spoke with the media after his first practice after the call up. He said he expected to play a “really solid fourth line role.” He added:

"“I do a really good job in my defenseive zone. I need to be really good on the [penalty kill]. The PK is my best chance to stay here, so I need to be really good at it.”"

With the league’s lackadaisical officiating, Colorado certainly does need an ace up their sleeve on the penalty kill.

Colorado knows he is tough competitor that prides himself on playing good, solid defense. Bourque is a gritty and aggressive forward who nonetheless fits well with this team. In the past he has shown that he can handle the duties of being on the fourth line in the NHL — Bourque said himself “I know my role, and I know what to do to stay in the NHL.”

That said, Bourque has planned out what he’s going to work on during this stint with the Colorado Avalanche:

"“I’ll try to have more poise with the puck and don’t rush it, just be more calm.”"

That kind of attitude is certainly going to serve him well with the Avs.

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There is a lot to like about Bourque. Hopefully he finds success with the Colorado Avalanche.

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