Veteran winger Gabriel Bourque has officially retired after 13 professional seasons, as he confirmed to Ciel 103’s Kevin Beaule. The 34-year-old was originally selected by Nashville in the fifth round of the 2009 draft. Bourque spent six seasons with the Predators, followed by three seasons in Colorado and one in Winnipeg.
After sitting out the 2020-21 season, Bourque returned to play for AHL Laval, Montreal’s affiliate, over the last three seasons. However, he was limited to just 11 points in 43 games in the 2023-24 season.
In total, Bourque played 413 NHL games, registering 40 goals, 63 assists, and 736 hits, while averaging just over 12 minutes of ice time per game. He ranks 44th in games played among players from the 2009 draft class, a solid achievement for a fifth-round pick.
Bourque was more productive in the AHL, with 65 goals and 104 assists in 364 games across nine seasons. He isn’t leaving hockey entirely, as he has taken on a role as an assistant coach at College Lionel-Groulx.
