On Tuesday, the Habs took care of one of their remaining restricted free agents, inking Michael Bournival to a one year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but early reports suggest it’s for $600,000 in the NHL and $125,000 in the minors. His qualifying offer was for $715,000 in the NHL and $67,500 at the AHL level.
2014-15 was a season full of struggles for the 23 year old. He didn’t see much playing time early with the Habs and wound up missing time with a shoulder injury. Upon being demoted to Hamilton after the trade deadline, Bournival was shut down for the rest of the season due to dizziness (also known as a concussion, they just didn’t want to call it that).
Overall, he played in just 29 NHL games this past season, a far cry from the 74 (including playoffs) he suited up for one season earlier. Bournival finished the season with three goals and two assists while also adding nine points (3-6-9) in twelve AHL contests.
Where Bournival will play this coming season is somewhat of a mystery. The way the roster currently looks, he’ll be in tough to crack the opening night lineup. However, he also has to clear waivers so it’s far from a given that he’ll suit up in St. John’s, especially for a player his age with over 100 NHL games under his belt.
The deal comes just one day before the deadline for qualifying offers to be accepted. Montreal has two other restricted free agents in Alex Galchenyuk and Jarred Tinordi; while Galchenyuk will certainly not be taking his qualifying offer, Tinordi may very well will. Suffice it to say, don’t be surprised to hear of him signing in the near future.
Bournival’s Stats:
