Scoring in the CHL is different than scoring in the NHL. Many prospects rely further on advantages they won’t carry and plays that won’t work at the next level. As a result, their professional careers take longer to take off or fizzle out entirely.

Mavrik Bourque, given his superior puck skills, strength, and shooting ability could’ve done that. He could’ve outraced defenders to the net and then plopped himself at the top of the circle to bomb one-timers all season long. He would’ve scored a lot doing that.

Instead, Bourque took the harder path. He learned to operate faster, achieved another level as a playmaker, and applied himself more consistently to the defensive end.

As a result, Bourque became both a better QMJHL player and NHL prospect in the process. His production leapt from 1.