Nashville, Tenn. (September 14, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed forward Gabriel Bourque to a two-year, $1.55 million contract which starts with the 2013-14 season. The deal will pay him $725,000 in 2013-14 and $825,000 in 2014-15.

Bourque, 21 (9/23/90), posted 19 points (7g-12a) in 43 games during his rookie NHL season in 2011-12, ranking ninth in points per game among rookies who appeared in at least half their team’s games (.44). During the 2012 playoffs, the 5-10, 192-pound winger tied for the team lead in goals (3), and ranked third in points (5), also ranking among the rookie leaders in both categories. Bourque set franchise records for points (3g-1a-4pts) and plus-minus rating (+5) by a rookie in a playoff series in Nashville’s Western Conference Quarterfinal victory vs. Detroit, which included scoring two goals, including the game winner, in his NHL playoff debut in Game One, making him the third player in the last 14 playoff years to attain the feat.

The Rimouski, Que., native – selected 132nd overall (fifth round), in the 2009 Entry Draft – helped Moncton win the 2010 President’s Trophy as QMJHL Champions and advance to the 2010 Memorial Cup, being awarded the 2010 Guy Lafleur Trophy as playoffs MVP in the process. Bourque earned a silver medal with Canada at the 2010 World Junior Championships.