Montreal Canadiens Report Cards: Michael Bournival

When he was acquired for Ryan O’Byrne in a trade with Colorado, most were just happy he wasn’t Ryan O’Byrne. In the end, Michael Bournival – you could say – was the original Dale Weise.

STATS: 60 Games | 7 G-7 A = 14 P | 18 PIM | -6 | 44.0% Corsi | 1.2 Point Shares
PLAYOFFS: 14 games | 0 G-1 A = 1 P | 0 PIM | -3 | 45.1% Corsi

STORY: Michael Bournival was a solid NHL prospect coming into the season. He had played well at Hamilton last year, with 30 points in 69 games in what was his first professional season. He opened up eyes in training camp and through his hard work and hockey sense, earned a spot with the big team. He was quickly told to find an apartment and not to stay in a hotel.

Bournival was a perfect bottom six forward with potential to be a passable second liner. He scored seven goals in the season, and despite some solid play in the playoffs ended up with only one assist. His scoring will need to improve in order to get a bigger role but you have to be happy with Bournival in your lineup in an energy role.

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He really is similar to Dale Weise in the fact that he sometimes looks too good on a fourth line but holes can be found in an expanded role. He is only 22 and has only played two professional hockey seasons. He will never be a star but he doesn’t have to be. For a third round pick he will end up having a solid career.

GRADE: C+
Bournival was good in his rookie campaign and has probably solidified a role in the fourth line rotation pending any roster moves this summer. He is quick, forechecks hard, and knows what to do with the puck. Players like him passing guys like Ryan White, Travis Moen and Brandon Prust is what gave Montreal their improved forward depth and creates internal competition.

FUTURE: Bournival has one year remaining on his entry level contract. Like I said, he will be in the mix and his cap hit makes him a likely person to stick on the roster that may include Moen and Prust. He seemed to play well with speedy energy players during the playoffs and I see that strategy transferring towards next season.

2014-2015: 660,000 [bonus eligible]
2015-2016: Restricted Free-Agent