Avalanche on high alert as rival's young talent makes waves as breakout player of the year candidate
Photo credit: Jerome Miron / Imagn Images
The Colorado Avalanche are on high alert as Dallas Stars' young forward Mavrik Bourque continues to make a name for himself, emerging as one the leading candidates for breakout player of the year.
The Stars signed Bourque to a one-year contract extension earlier this offseason.
Mavrik Bourque poised for a breakout season in Dallas.
Vince Hull from Blade of Steel writes that Bourque may have flown under the radar in Dallas, but a major publication has now singled him out as their breakout player of the year for 2025-26, signalling that the rest of the NHL should start paying attention.
In a recent piece for The Hockey News, writer Justin Giampietro highlighted Mavrik Bourque as The Stars' top breakout candidate for the upcoming season.
"Leading the American Hockey League (AHL) in scoring two seasons ago as a 21-year-old, Mavrik Bourque should have decent offensive upside at the NHL level." -Giampietro
That potential didn't fully show up on the stat sheet in 2024-25, Bourque recorded 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in 72 games, but the signs of development and growth were evident.
"Even with a loaded top six in Dallas that includes Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen, Bourque has carved out a role with his intelligence and puck retrieval.
He may never be a flashy highlight-reel guy, but his hockey IQ, vision, and effort away from the puck could turn him into a dependable middle-six forward for years to come." -Hull
He may never be a flashy highlight-reel guy, but his hockey IQ, vision, and effort away from the puck could turn him into a dependable middle-six forward for years to come." -Hull
Dallas could already be nurturing their next core player right under their own roof.
Source:
Blade of Steel
This young Dallas Stars talent just earned breakout player of the year recognition
Blade of Steel
This young Dallas Stars talent just earned breakout player of the year recognition
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