Veteran winger Rene Bourque will continue his career in Sweden, signing a one-year deal with Djugarden. He played last season for the Colorado Avalanche and was an unrestricted free agent. After scoring 58 points in 73 games for the Calgary Flames in 2009-2010, Bourque has declined significantly, posting 18 points in 65 games and averaging just over 14 minutes of ice time for the Avalanche last season.
UFA Rene Bourque has signed a 1 year deal with #Djurgarden in Sweden. Bourque has played for 6 NHL teams including the #Flames, #Habs & #Avs https://t.co/xZ7UNyCqDa
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) August 29, 2017
Bourque has played parts of 12 NHL seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Colorado Avalanche. The 35-year-old from Lac La Biche, Alberta is in the twilight of his career. He is hoping to have a big season in Europe and get another chance in the NHL, perhaps impressing enough to get a spot with a a possible contender and have another crack at winning the Stanley Cup before he eventually retires. Bourque’s last playoff appearance was in 2014 when he helped the Montreal Canadiens make it to the Conference final.
Rene Bourque Signs in Sweden
The 6’2” winger will try his luck in free agency again next summer, so there will be extra motivation for him to have a successful season. Bourque will bring a much needed veteran presence to the Djugarden as they look to add depth to their roster and attempt to have a big season in the SHL.
Bourque was an undrafted rookie free agent who was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks back before the 2004-05 season. Bourque has played in 725 career games and has scored 163 goals and added 153 assists for 316 career NHL points.
Main Photo:
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 12: Rene Bourque #17 of the Colorado Avalanche fights for control of the puck against Antoine Vermette #50 of the Anaheim Ducks at the Pepsi Center on January 12, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
