With Edmonton pulling out all the free agent deals, Calgary jumped into the mix with another minor move acquiring Alberta boy Rene Bourque, a native of Lac La Biche, from Chicago. Bourque finished his third season with the Blackhawks in 07-08, recording 24 points from 10 goals and 14 assists.

Flames Acquire Third Line LW


Bourque has good size and potential to score 15-20 goals, he’s basically a younger version of Marcus Nilson. The Flames gave up a conditional second round draft pick in next year’s draft (maybe a bit steep? We’ll see.) The conditions are likely tied to the fact Bourque is a restricted free agent and needs to be signed.

The 6’3″, 213lb winger has notched 75 points in 183 career NHL games. Bourque was originally signed as a free agent by Chicago on July 29, 2004 following a four year career with the University of Wisconsin (WCHA). He played his first year of professional hockey in 04-05 with Chicago’s AHL affiliate in Norfolk where he established team highs in goals (33), assists (27) and points (60). Bourque was named to the AHL All-Star Game and was the recipient of the Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s most outstanding rookie.

Last year’s stats:

2007-08 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 62 10 14 24 42