Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
We have a new signing to announce, and TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie has just shared the details.
Alex Barré-Boulet has found a new team.
The Quebec native has officially agreed to terms with the San Jose Sharks.
It is a two-year, two-way contract for the former Montreal Canadiens forward, providing some welcome stability for the 29-year-old.
The Montmagny native remains one of the American Hockey League’s top scorers.
Year after year, he produces at an elite pace in the AHL.
Last season, he finished second in the league scoring race.
Barré-Boulet recorded 70 points, including 26 goals, in 70 games with Colorado.
An American Hockey League star still chasing a permanent NHL opportunity
His accomplishments in the AHL are impressive.
In 428 games, he has totaled 435 points with a +90 rating.
General manager Mike Grier did not hide his interest in the player.
“Alex’s offensive track record speaks for itself and his presence provides additional responsible veteran depth at the NHL level,” said Grier.
The catch is that the NHL has always remained just out of reach for him.
Barré-Boulet has played only 72 NHL games, recording 19 points.
With the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in 2017-18, he led the QMJHL with 116 points and won the league’s Most Valuable Player award. So he has literally produced everywhere except the NHL so far.
Undrafted, he signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning as a free agent in 2018.
It remains to be seen whether San Jose will finally give him a real NHL opportunity. Because at 29 years old, a scorer of his caliber deserves more than just scraps at the highest level.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Former Canadiens forward signs with Sharks as new NHL opportunity opens in San Jose
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