Rumors around Mavrik Bourque are intensifying, and his future in Dallas seems more and more uncertain.
While the Stars are desperate to solidify their third-line center to maximize their chances of winning the Stanley Cup, the Montreal Canadiens are watching closely.
Bourque, despite his obvious potential, is seen by many as a disappointment so far, which raises the possibility of a trade involving the Quebecer.
Mavrik Bourque, selected in the first round by the Stars in 2020, had been identified as a top 9 center. However, in his first full season in the NHL, he is struggling to meet expectations:
With only 8 points in 35 games this season, he is far from establishing himself as an offensive force.
In a recent interview with the Press, Mavrik Bourque recognized the challenges he faces in Dallas.
“Every level looks impressive. Everything is too fast at first. I’m at the top when I see the game slowing down to create scoring chances.”he explained.
But for the moment, everything still seems to be going too quickly for the young Quebecer.
Despite a timid collection of 8 points in 35 games, Bourque is hanging on.
“I was still very far from my goals. I’m late. But lately, things are going in the right direction. »
His ice time has increased slightly, and he even got some overtime time recently.
“People asked themselves: is that him in overtime? But it went really well, we almost scored. I made a nice pass. »
Despite these small personal victories, Stars coach Peter DeBoer was clear:
“We see him regaining his confidence, but he still has a long way to go. »
The problem for Bourque is that Dallas can’t afford to wait forever, especially with the Stanley Cup window of opportunity shrinking.
The novelty in this file is the entry of the Dallas Stars into the race for Jake Evans. While the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, and Los Angeles Kings seemed to be the main contenders, the addition of Dallas changes that.
For Dallas, Evans would represent an immediate and reliable solution to solidify their third trio
Evans, with his ability to excel on the penalty kill and his defensive intelligence, would be a perfect addition to a team looking to balance their lines.
The question is whether the Canadiens are willing to sacrifice Evans and get a player like Bourque.
Kent Hughes might be tempted.
Besides Evans, David Savard is also a name circulating in Dallas. The Stars, looking for defensive depth and experience, see Savard as a veteran capable of playing important minutes in critical situations, particularly on a numerical disadvantage.
Although Savard is going through a difficult time in Montreal, between rumors and body magane. his leadership and toughness on the ice attracted the attention of several teams.
With Alexandre Carrier now in the Canadiens lineup, Montreal could consider moving on from Savard to maximize his return before the end of his contract.
With the Stars’ growing interest in Evans and Savard, it is not impossible that Kent Hughes exploits this situation to obtain Mavrik Bourque.
-If the Stars want both players, they’ll have to sacrifice a lot more than just Bourque. The fact remains that the Quebecois is a good basis for negotiations.
What is clear is that Canadians find themselves in an enviable position. With players like Evans and Savard attracting the attention of several teams, Kent Hughes has the opportunity to maximize their value on the market.
The addition of Dallas to the roster only heightens speculation and could lead to a major trade in the coming weeks.
For Bourque, a change of scenery could be beneficial. Especially to come home.
And for the Stars, sacrificing a promising youngster like Bourque in exchange for pieces ready to contribute now could be the price they pay to hope to lift the Stanley Cup.
Especially since the Stars will be interested in extending Evans for a higher salary than in Montreal. Kent Hughes doesn’t want to extend the money for his center player.
With lower taxes in Texas and a higher salary by the Stars, while having a chance to win the Stanley Cup, this is an attractive scenario for Evans.
For Bourque, Montreal could save his young career.
The Quebecer has always been a slow-starting player, as his coach Peter DeBoer recognized.
However, that excuse is starting to run out of steam, especially for a team with ambitions as lofty as the Stars.
With a modest size (5’11”, 180 lbs) and a game focused on creativity, Bourque does not bring the robustness and aggressiveness that a contending team is looking for in its third-line center.
The Dallas media are clear: the Stars will not win the Stanley Cup with Bourque as their third center.
The need for a more experienced and reliable player at the position has become a priority. Among the solutions mentioned, the name of Jake Evans of the Canadiens comes up insistently:
Why Jake Evans? The Stars see Evans as a player capable of filling their immediate needs.
With his solid defensive style, ability to play shorthanded and experience in supporting roles, Evans represents a much more pragmatic solution for Dallas.
If Bourque is not traded, he risks seeing his role diminish further, which could further hinder his development.
For the Montreal Canadiens, this situation could be a godsend.
Hughes, always looking for young local talent to hype the Quebec nationalist media, could take advantage of the Stars’ interest in Evans to negotiate an exchange centered on Bourque.
Despite his struggles, Bourque remains a talented player with exceptional vision. A less demanding environment than Dallas could allow him to regain confidence and production.
The Canadiens have enough depth at center to allow Bourque to develop without immediate pressure, as non-tradeable Christian Dvorak is already the team’s 3rd center.
Bourque would thus replace Evans directly on the 4th trio…in the meantime…
Yes, things are heating up in the transaction market. Kent Hughes has some tough choices to make.
Very difficult.
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