Washington Capitals reels back Chris Bourque with one-year contract –NHL Free Agency Update
Washington Capitals was successful in retaining Chris Bourque, the son of Colorado Avalanche's legend, Ray Bourque, on Saturday as Capitals signed him to a one-year contract, of which the financial terms and conditions were not disclosed.
The next season will be Bourque’s fourth season with Washington. He only played a single game last season and spent most of the time playing between Russian and Swiss leagues.
The 25-year-old was drafted as the 33rd overall pick in round-two of the 2004 National Hockey League (NHL) but has never played a full season with a major league franchise as yet.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, Bourque played four games during the 2007-2008 season, eight games in the 2008-2009 season, following a shift with Pittsburgh Penguins in which he registered a season high 20 games played and three points coming
from all assists.
He went back to Washington during 2009-2010.
In between seasons, Bourque continued playing with Hershey Bears, a franchise in the American Hockey League (AHL) which is also associated with Washington Capitals.
He remained a major contributor with the minor league team as it won the Calder Cup in 2006, 2009 and 2010.
The young left winger registered 58 points, 25 goals and 36 assists, in 76 games during the regular season in Bears' 2006 Calder Cup run.
He put up 73 points, 21 goals and 52 assists, in 69 games in the 2009 championship stretch and 70 points, 22 goals and 48 assists, in 2010.
Washington might have a change of heart in the next season as it could be playing Bourque in more games instead of using him as more of a recall from the farm league.
The three time Calder Cup winner can make a huge contribution in Capitals' Stanley Cup run that always ends short in round-one or two.
Capitals is surely expected to make a shift in its starting line-up to change its early playoff exit, which is certainly disappointing seeing them end the regular season as the Eastern Conference’s top rated team overall.
Chris Bourque needs time to develop in the NHL, and by giving him a chance next season, Washington may get that much needed boost.
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