When forward Rene Bourque signed a professional tryout contract with the Colorado Avalanche, he knew that it might be his last opportunity to prove that he still belongs in the NHL. It was an opportunity he was determined not to squander.
Nothing was guaranteed. It was up to Bourque to show that he could still play. Thus far through the preseason, he has done just that.
Having played in three of the Avalanche’s four preseason games, Bourque is leading the Avalanche in scoring with four points. In Tuesday’s contest against the Minnesota Wild, he was held off of the scoreboard for the first time. That does not, however, mean he was ineffective.
In the game, Bourque paced the Avalanche with three hits and four shots. He also blocked a shot and drew a penalty. While it’s easy to make an impression when you’re lighting the lamp, the fact that coaches are still taking notice when he doesn’t, bodes well for his chances of making the team.
“He’s playing hard on both sides of the puck,” Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said of Bourque. “He’s been physical defending, and he’s used his size and strength offensively as well. When he does that, he’s a big, strong guy. He’s got pretty good legs underneath him. He can be a handful.”
Bourque’s last 20-goal season was way back in 2010-2011. If he can continue to find other ways to contribute, to be effective, he may just find his way onto the Avalanche roster this season.
